Antipsychotic Drug Use Among Kids Dramatically Increased
An AP story appearing on the
May 3, 2006 InteliHealth website paints a disturbing picture of increased
antipsychotic medication usage in children. According
to a study done by Medco Health Solutions Inc., the four years ending in
2005 saw an increased usage of antipsychotic medication in children by 73
percent. Additionally, a new class of these drugs known as "atypical
antipsychotics" used primarily by people 19 and younger saw an increase of
80 percent over the same period.
The article did note that even with the
dramatic increase in usage among the young, adults were still the
overwhelming majority of those using these medications. In
2005, 85 percent of prescriptions for antipsychotic medications were for adults while only 15 percent were for children.
Dr. Amita Dasmanapatra,
senior director of medical affairs at Medco noted that she believes that
some doctors are prescribing the drugs for children with behavioral
problems, which she believes would be better controlled by other means.
She stated, "Still, the sharp increase is noteworthy because the powerful
drugs are for individuals with serious psychosis such as schizophrenia so
there is some concern the medicines may not always be prescribed
appropriately."
The article notes that the
atypical antipsychotics aren't approved for use in children, but that
nothing stops doctors from using them on children if they wish. |