The use of psychotropic medications in Norwegian youth residential care (2019-2021)

Project members at OUS: Kristin R Øvergaard (bør være link)

Collaborators: Berit Hjelde Hansen (OUS-Nevsom); Vidar Hjellvik and Jørgen Bramness (National institute of public health); and Lars Lien (National Competence Service for Dual Diagnosis)

The main aim of this project was to increase awareness of the use of psychotropic medications (including hypnotics) among a representative sample of children and adolescents in Norwegian child welfare institutions. 

The project provided increased clinical knowledge about the treatment with psychotropic medications in a vulnerable youth welfare population, thereby offering an opportunity to improve patients' treatment trajectories. The project was thus beneficial for the patients and for the organization of their health services.

This is a sub-project requested by the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (BUFDIR), in collaboration with the National Competence Service for Dual Diagnosis (ROP), where psychiatrist Lars Lien served as the project leader. ROP issued a report in 2018 titled: "Medications and their Handling in Child Welfare Institutions." The report describes the use of all types of medications in child welfare institutions, addresses procedures for storage and distribution, and proposes recommended changes.

The project on psychotropic medications originated when there was available data from the Prescription Database for this sample, and there was a desire for a more systematic review of these medications specifically among youth in child welfare institutions.

Publications:

Oerbeck B, Overgard KR, Hjellvik V, Bramness, J, Lien, L. (2020). The use of sleep medication in youth residential youth care. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 30(5):335-341. doi: 10.1089/cap.2019.0172.

Oerbeck B, Overgaard KR, Hjellvik V, Lien L, Bramness J (2021). The Use of Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Stimulants in Youth Residential Care. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol, 31(5) 350-357. doi:10.1089/cap.2020.0123