Medical and Psychology Students' Attitudes Towards Psychotropic Medication for Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Baumann Michèle, Spitz Elisabeth
Primary Institution: University of Luxembourg
Hypothesis
What advice would students of medicine and psychology give adolescents concerning the use of psychotropic drugs in coping with difficult life events?
Conclusion
Health professionals must question the criteria that inform their decisions regarding psychotropic medication for adolescents.
Supporting Evidence
- Medical students recommended psychotropic drugs in 40% of cases, while psychology students did so in 27%.
- Medical students with a tendency to experience anger were more likely to prescribe psychotropic drugs.
- Psychology students who were not shy but susceptible to stress were more likely to recommend medication.
Takeaway
This study looked at how medical and psychology students feel about giving medication to teens who are having a tough time. Medical students are more likely to suggest medication than psychology students.
Methodology
The study involved 41 medical students and 76 psychology students who completed a questionnaire about their attitudes towards prescribing psychotropic medication based on case studies.
Potential Biases
The difference in numbers of psychology and medical students who volunteered may indicate a bias towards those interested in psychotherapeutic approaches.
Limitations
The sample may not be representative of all students, and the study did not consider the type of medication.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 19 to 30, with 61% of medical students and 89% of psychology students being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.035
Confidence Interval
[0.37; 0.44]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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