Trends in Psychotropic Drug Use in a Child Psychiatric Hospital from 1991–1998

Abstract

These findings document a marked and continuing increase in psychotropic drug use in child psychiatric inpatients during the 1990s. This trend occurred against a background of increased hospital admissions and shorter lengths of stay. Most of the increased use is accounted for by newer agents, even though data supporting their efficacy and safety in this population are limited.

Psychotropic medication use in the child and adolescent psychiatry wards of a French hospital

“…The frequency of treatment with psychotropic drugs in this study (46%) was similar to or lower than that in other studies [1][2][3][4]. A large proportion of the patients in our study had learning disorders and almost half of the patients were treated in a partial hospitalisation facility.…”

“…Several reviews have examined patterns of psychotropic drug use [1][2][3][4][5]. All suggest that the frequency of psychotropic drug use in these patients is high (43-98% of inpatients were prescribed psychotropic medication).…”

After Out-of-Home Mental Health Treatment: Atypical Antipsychotic Medication Use and the Probability of Returning to Treatment

“…Post out-of-home variables are measured in the 6 months after the out-of-home treatment episode. Prior to out-of-home episode variables are measured in the 6 months prior to the out-of-home treatment episode homes and treatment foster care (Breland-Noble et al 2004;Najjar et al 2004;Zito et al 2008), and more specifically antipsychotic medications (Zito et al 2008). Fifteen percent of youth returned to out-of-home treatment.…”

“…Among those with high rates of utilization were children and youth who have been removed from the home for mental health treatment (Breland-Noble et al 2004;Zito et al 2008). High rates of psychotropic medication use have been found among children in residential group homes and treatment foster care (Breland-Noble et al 2004;Najjar et al 2004). Fiftythree percent of youth in foster care who received psychotropic medications were receiving antipsychotic medications (Zito et al 2008).…”

Psychotropic Medication Use for Youth in Residential Treatment: A Comparison Between Youth with Monopharmacy Versus Polypharmacy

“…Although there have been several promising advancements in the field of pediatric psychopharmacology, many researchers and clinicians have argued that the empirical evidence that is available regarding the safety and efficacy of commonly used psychotropic medications is not sufficient to support current prescribing practices for children and youth (Brown 2005;Leo 2006;Najjar et al 2004). Data supporting efficacy, treatment outcomes, and safety of psychotropic medications in youth remain far less than what exists for adult populations (Safer et al 2003).…”