Journal of psychiatric practice
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Prescription drug abuse is a serious health concern and is considered a nationwide epidemic. Patients often fail or refuse to disclose the use of controlled substances, leaving prescribers and pharmacies unaware of the potential for harmful drug interactions and risk of overdose. Psychiatric patients are especially vulnerable to controlled substance misuse. ⋯ Reviewing PDMP databases before prescribing controlled substances should be considered a standard prescribing practice to prevent abuse, diversion, and adverse medical outcomes.