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Abstract: 

Drug costs continue to be the most rapidly growing health care expense in America, whether in private practice, the VA, community mental health clinics, or in corrections. In the face of steadily diminishing resources, health care managers in jail and prison settings need to critically examine the prescribing practices of physicians. This article describes methods for examination of psychotropic usage, including: Psychiatrist peer review and supervision; Pharmacy and therapeutic committees; Improved interview techniques; and Diagnosis-based treatment algorithms. The methods discussed have application to physicians in all specialties, not just to psychiatrists.

Keywords: psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, DSM-IV, polypharmacy, Psychosis NOS

Affiliations:  1: Correctional Medical Services Mississippi State Penitentiary.