A pilot investigation of teachers' perceptions of psychotropic drug use in schools.
OBJECTIVE
Children's behavior at school often leads to parental interest in seeking physician treatment. This study examines teachers' knowledge and perceptions of psychotropic drug use in schools.


METHODS
Structured interviews were conducted with 27 general education teachers from a diverse representation of elementary schools within central Michigan. Information on (a) current use of psychotropic medications by their students, (b) consultation and collaboration with parents and mental health professionals, and (c) knowledge of the properties and side effects of Ritalin was gathered.


RESULTS
Teachers report limited knowledge of how and why medication treatment works despite reporting that 11.5% of their students were currently being prescribed a psychotropic medication. Teachers indicate little communication with parents or professionals regarding medication use or the side effects associated with their use.


CONCLUSIONS
Issues related to the amount of knowledge that school professionals should have about this increasingly used treatment remain unresolved and warrant further research.
Lien
My T
MT
Michigan State University, USA.
Carlson
John S
JS
Hunter-Oehmke
Shana
S
Knapp
Kelly A
KA
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004522:Educational Status; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008824:Michigan; D012919:Social Behavior
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate