Medication prescribed by Australian paediatricians: Psychotropics predominate
Daryl Efron1,2, Margie H Danchin1,2, Noel E Cranswick3
1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 1, 2017
Summary
Australian paediatricians increasingly prescribe psychotropic medications, particularly for developmental-behavioural/mental health conditions. Age and male gender predict medication use in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Health services research
Background:
- Medication prescribing patterns in pediatric care are crucial for effective treatment.
- Understanding trends in psychotropic medication use is essential for child mental health.
- Australian national audits provide valuable data on pediatric prescribing practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze medications prescribed by Australian general and community pediatricians.
- To identify predictors of medication prescribing, including child age and gender.
- To examine changes in pediatric medication prescription between 2008 and 2013.
Main Methods:
- Two national audits of patient-level practice data were conducted in 2008 and 2013.
- Paediatricians recorded demographic data, diagnoses, and prescribed medications for all patients.
- Data were collected from outpatient clinics and private practices across Australia.
Main Results:
- Psychotropic medications were the most frequently prescribed class, increasing from 2008 to 2013.
- Stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics were common psychotropic prescriptions.
- Prescribing was influenced by patient age and male gender; rates of psychotropics, melatonin, laxatives, and enuresis medications increased.
Conclusions:
- Australian paediatricians predominantly prescribe psychotropic medications, with increasing trends observed.
- Paediatricians require enhanced training in mental health diagnosis, management, and rational psychotropic prescribing.
- The findings highlight the need for ongoing professional development in pediatric mental healthcare.
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