Antipsychotic medication use by Medicaid recipients with severe mental illness

Data on Medicaid recipients with severe mental illness were studied to determine antipsychotic medication use and any trends in racial variation in the prescribing of newer antipsychotic drugs. The study was conducted in 3 states. Participants were interviewed at entry into the study and again 6 months later. Interview data were linked with Medicaid eligibility information and claims data that included pharmacy records. Antipsychotic drugs, not infrequently in combination, are often prescribed for Medicaid recipients with severe mental illness. Medication use patterns tended to persist over the study period. No racial disparity with regard to use of newer antipsychotic medications was found. Further work is needed to understand psychotropic medication use by Medicaid recipients and to facilitate conformance with best-practice guidelines for treatment of persons with severe mental illness.

Duke Scholars

Author Elizabeth Merwin School of Nursing