Long-term trend in pediatric antidepressant use, 1983-2007: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric pharmacology
• Public health research
• Adolescent mental health

Background:

• Antidepressant (AD) treatment in pediatric populations requires further research regarding appropriateness and safety.
• Understanding long-term trends in pediatric AD dispensing is crucial for clinical practice and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the long-term dispensing trends of pediatric antidepressants in Canada.
• To analyze changes in AD use among individuals aged 0 to 19 over a 24-year period.

Main Methods:

• Utilized population-based administrative data from Saskatchewan, Canada, covering outpatient settings.
• Analyzed dispensing data for 22 antidepressants across 9 triennial years from 1983 to 2007.
• Employed descriptive analyses to assess trends in AD use by age, sex, prescriber, and drug class.

Main Results:

• Pediatric AD dispensing rates per 1000 population (aged 0-19) rose from 5.9 in 1983 to 15.4 in 2007, with accelerated growth after 1998.
• Females and older children/adolescents showed higher rates of AD use, with trends becoming more pronounced with age.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the primary driver of increased AD use, and the number of scripts per patient also rose.

Conclusions:

• The significant increase in pediatric antidepressant use is largely attributed to the wider adoption of SSRIs.
• Variations in prescribing patterns and potential safety concerns necessitate continued professional education for healthcare providers.
• Ongoing monitoring of antidepressant use in children and adolescents is essential to ensure appropriate and safe treatment.