The Use of ‘As Required’ Medication on an Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

This is a study of the use of ‘as required’ (prn) psychotropic medication in an in- patient unit for younger adolescents in the south of England. The case notes of 500 consecutive completed admissions over an approximately seven-year period were examined retrospectively. It was found that prn medication was administered during 60% of the 500 admissions. Regular medication was given infrequently. A limited range of types of medication was prescribed. A small number of admissions accounted for a large number of the administrations of prn medication. ‘Violence’, ‘running away’ and ‘stealing’ as reasons for admission were associated with an increased likelihood of receiving prn medication, as were longer duration of admission and non-Caucasian ethnic status. School non-attendance as a reason for admission was associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving prn medication. Medication was given more frequently in the evenings. Comparable amounts of medication were given at all stages of admission.