The Use of Psychotropic Medication in Iranian Children with Developmental Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Developmental Disabilities
• Psychopharmacology

Background:

• Global increase in psychotropic medication use among children.
• Children with developmental disabilities receive higher prescription rates.
• Limited data on psychotropic prescribing in non-Western, middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate psychotropic medication prescribing patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) in Iran.
• To identify factors associated with psychotropic medication use in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1133 children (aged 2-17) diagnosed with ASD or ID in Tehran, Iran (2005-2019).
• Data extracted from file records and parental reports on medication use.
• Statistical analysis to determine prescription rates and associated factors.

Main Results:

• Over 80% of children with ASD and 56% with ID were prescribed psychotropic medication.
• Approximately 25% in each group received two or more psychotropic medications.
• Higher rates observed in males with challenging behaviors (e.g., hyperactivity); lower rates with higher paternal education.

Conclusions:

• High rates of psychotropic medication use in Iranian children with ASD and ID, potentially driven by a lack of alternative management strategies.
• Concerns regarding side effects and failure to address developmental needs.
• Urgent need for multidisciplinary, behavioral, therapeutic, and educational interventions, despite limited availability in Iran.