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The countervailing forces behind France's low Ritalin consumption
1Sociology and Criminology Department, University of Auckland, 10 Symonds Street, Human Sciences Building Level 9, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|August 24, 2019
Summary
French children use significantly fewer psychostimulant medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than US children. This study explores how state, medical experts, and consumers act as countervailing powers to limit pharmaceutical influence on ADHD medication consumption in France.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Consumption Studies
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Global pharmaceutical consumption has surged, with social scientists identifying drivers of medication use.
- Less attention has been paid to factors constraining medication consumption, hindering a complete understanding of consumption patterns.
- Contextual factors significantly mediate the influence of key actors on medication use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind France's notably low consumption of psychostimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.
- To analyze how countervailing powers influence medication consumption, using France as a case study.
- To deepen the understanding of how contextual forces can limit pharmaceutical industry power.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of France's low psychostimulant use for ADHD compared to the US.
- Application of the theory of countervailing powers.
- Data collection through key informant interviews, review of French medical literature on psychostimulants, and secondary sources.
Main Results:
- France exhibits significantly lower psychostimulant use for ADHD (0.2%) compared to the US (7%).
- The French state, medical experts, and consumers have effectively acted as countervailing forces against pharmaceutical interests.
- These countervailing powers demonstrate how context can constrain pharmaceutical industry influence on medication consumption.
Conclusions:
- The French case illustrates the significant impact of countervailing powers in shaping medication consumption patterns.
- Understanding these constraining forces is crucial for a comprehensive view of pharmaceutical use and policy.
- Contextual factors and the actions of non-industry actors play a vital role in mediating pharmaceutical influence.