Degree Name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
8-2022
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Jill D. Stinson
Committee Members
Alyson Chroust, Meredith Ginley, Rachel Miller-Slough
Abstract
Polypharmacy, or the concurrent use of multiple medications, is associated with detrimental outcomes for patients and has gathered increasing attention within the scientific clinical literature. Pediatric populations warrant special consideration for the practice of polypharmacy, as medication effects are more pronounced in youth and adverse effects may have a lasting impact on development. This dissertation study examined psychotropic prescribing practices in a sample of adolescents who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviors, a subset of justice-involved youth who are at risk for polypharmacy. General prescribing trends were examined, and a principle components analysis involving variables associated with risk of polypharmacy was conducted. Results indicated that polypharmacy was common, with many youth being prescribed medications at a young age. Use of risky medications such as antipsychotics was also prevalent, even for individuals without psychosis. Analyses suggested that behavioral issues, trauma and residential instability, and complex psychological concerns were significantly associated with polypharmacy outcomes. Clinical implications of findings are discussed.
Document Type
Dissertation - embargo
Recommended Citation
Gilley, Rebecca, "Prevalence and Predictors of Polypharmacy in Adolescents who have Engaged in Sexually Abusive Behaviors" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3956. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3956
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychology Commons