Tennessee To Study Dramatic Increase in Prescriptions for Behavioral Issues

Officials with TennCare, the state run Medicaid managed care organization, have announced a pilot study [Download TennCare Pilot Study.pdf] of the use of psychotropic medications in children to treat conditions such as depression and ADHD.  The impetus for this study is that "TennCare has seen  dramatic increases in potentially harmful levels of utilization, with unproven therapies",  according to J.D. Hickey,  Deputy Commissioner of TennCare.

Researchers from Vanderbuilt University found that from 1996 to 2001 the number of prescriptions for antipsychotic medications doubled.  The result of this study are expected prior to the start of the 2006-2007 school year.

The emphasis in TennCare's announcement is on better care for children.  It would be naive to think that cost savings are not also a consideration.  Nevertheless, taken at face value this study seeks to identify "appropriate treatments" that do not rely so heavily on drugs. If the outcome of the study is that schools will be encouraged and trained to use positive behavioral methods, more effective FBAs and BIPs, provide better and more intensive access to counseling in schools, then it will be a win-win for children. Perhaps  in this instance, Tenessee's unspoken desire to save money and children's best interests will actually coincide. However, if the outcome is simply lip service to non-drug treatment, essentially to save money, without more attention to better use of positive behavioral programs and counseling,TennCare will benefit, but at the expense of the most vulnerable--poor children with special needs.  I will follow-up on this study when TennCare comes out with its final report.