Social workers' attitudes about psychotropic drug treatment with youths.

There is considerable controversy among mental health professionals and the public about the proper role of psychotropic medications in the treatment of youths. Within social work, too, there have been sharp differences of opinion. There have been few studies, however, about the views of practicing clinical social workers on the use of psychiatric drugs in the treatment of youths. This study, a cross-sectional survey of a national sample of social workers, examines their views about medications and the role they may play in the treatment of youths.The findings suggest that social workers hold complex views that recognize both the potential benefits and harms ofpsychotropic medications, but overall they seem to support their use in a judicious manner.