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Psychoactive medication prescribing practices for U.S. children: gaps between research and clinical practice
P S Jensen1, V S Bhatara, B Vitiello
1Child and Adolescent Research, NIMH, Bethesda, MD 20892-9669, USA.
Summary
Pediatric psychotropic prescribing, especially for stimulants and SSRIs, is widespread but lacks sufficient safety and efficacy data. Further research is crucial for children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Evidence-based medicine
Background:
- Psychotropic medications are increasingly prescribed for children and adolescents.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of these agents in pediatric populations.
- National prescribing patterns require examination against existing scientific evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain national pediatric prescribing trends for psychotropic medications.
- To evaluate these prescribing practices in light of current safety and efficacy data for children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prescribing data from two national surveys of office-based medical practices.
- Review of data in conjunction with available evidence on psychotropic agent safety and efficacy.
Main Results:
- Stimulants were the most frequently prescribed psychotropic agents for children and adolescents in 1995.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the second most prescribed class.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the safety and efficacy of commonly prescribed psychotropic agents in this age group.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to ensure the safety of psychotropic medication use in children and adolescents.
- Recommendations are provided for researchers, parents, federal agencies, and industry to advance pediatric psychotropic research.
- Addressing knowledge gaps is critical for appropriate healthcare expenditures and safeguarding child well-being.