Perspectives of South Korean Parents Toward Psychotropic Medication Use Among Autistic Individuals

This study aimed to understand the status of psychotropic medication use among autistic individuals and how South Korean parents perceive its effects and the associated communication processes. This study involved three research questions investigating the following: general prescription trends of psychotropic medication use among autistic individuals, psychotropic medication use and its effects, and the communication of psychotropic medication use with stakeholders. This study employed a qualitative design and involved individual interviews with 19 parents of autistic individuals. To be included in the study, participants were required to have a child with autism over 18 years of age, currently receiving psychotropic medication. Constant comparative analysis and emergent coding were used to analyze the data. The general prescription trends of psychotropic medication use were grouped according to age based on the initiation of psychotropic medication use, reasons for psychotropic medication use, dose of psychotropic medication use, and experience of psychiatric hospitalization. Overall, parents were skeptical of the effects of psychotropic medications, leading to non-adherence to the prescribed psychotropic medications. Finally, there was a lack of communication among psychiatrists, autistic adults, and other professionals regarding psychotropic medication use. Future practices are warranted to develop educational programs on medication use, including foundational knowledge on medications, correct dosages, and strategies for managing side effects. Furthermore, ongoing communication among stakeholders should be guaranteed based on team approaches while prioritizing the voices of autistic individuals.