A pilot investigation of teachers' perceptions of psychotropic drug use in schools

Abstract

Objective: Children's behavior at school often leads to parental interest in seeking physician treatment. This study examines teachers' knowledge and perceptions of psychotropic drug use in schools.

Method: Structured interviews were conducted with 27 general education teachers from a diverse representation of elementary schools within central Michigan. Information on (a) current use of psychotropic medications by their students, (b) consultation and collaboration with parents and mental health professionals, and (c) knowledge of the properties and side effects of Ritalin was gathered.

Results: Teachers report limited knowledge of how and why medication treatment works despite reporting that 11.5% of their students were currently being prescribed a psychotropic medication. Teachers indicate little communication with parents or professionals regarding medication use or the side effects associated with their use.

Conclusion: Issues related to the amount of knowledge that school professionals should have about this increasingly used treatment remain unresolved and warrant further research.