N.Y. Times Review Finds Misuse Of Psychotropic Drugs In Disabled Patients
The New York Times: In Treating Disabled, Potent Drugs And Few Rules
Tens of thousands of powerful pills created to treat serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia are given to developmentally disabled people in the care of New York State every day. But a review by The Times of previously unreleased records, as well as interviews with state employees, clinicians, family members and outside experts, reveals that the psychotropic medications, which alter the brain’s chemistry, are often dispensed sloppily, without rigorous or regular review, by general practitioners with little expertise in the area (Hakim, 12/22).