Data Briefs
We at NCI periodically produce data briefs to bring attention to interesting trends and phenomena that we see in the data. These data briefs can be used to support policy-making and advocacy efforts within the states. In addition, these briefs can be used to further our knowledge about a specific population and their experience of state services.
Our most recent data brief uses data from the 2010-2011 administration of NCI to discuss the population of NCI respondents who utilize psychotropic medication.
NCI asks about the utilization of four types of medication: those prescribed for mood disorders, those prescribed for anxiety problems, those prescribed for psychotic disorders and those prescribed for behavior challenges. Of the total NCI sample, 53% took a medication to address at least one of the above conditions. Notably, 38% of those taking medications were prescribed medications to address a mood disorder. In addition, of those taking medications, 14% were taking medications to address all four conditions listed above.
We encourage you to look at the data brief to see more in depth analysis and discussion. The data brief can be accessed here: http://www.nationalcoreindicators.org/upload/core-indicators/Psych_NCI_Data_Brief_final.pdf
Additional data briefs can be seen at the bottom of the “Reports” page on our website. http://www.nationalcoreindicators.org/resources/reports/
Please let me know if you have any ideas for interesting data brief topics. Email me at dhiersteiner@hsri.org