Antipsychotics were most commonly prescribed to youth 19 years and younger for an off-label use – disruptive behavioral disorders.
Authors identified youth 19 years and younger in Texas Medicaid who took an antipsychotic medication between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2001. Atypical antipsychotic use increased by 74% during this period; approximately 22% of Texas Medicaid youths were on antipsychotics during 2001. Disruptive behavioral disorders accounted for the highest percentage of diagnoses (35%) for youth taking these drugs.
From the source:
”In children aged 5 to 14- years on antipsychotics, disruptive behavioral disorders were the most common diagnosis. Interestingly, ADHD accounted for a large percentage of diagnoses within the disruptive behavioral disorder category. Among 15-to-19-year-olds, depressive disorders were the most common diagnosis.”
Tags:
Antipsychotic medication, ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder], Off-label use of medication, Medicaid, Children’s Mental Health
Citation:
Patel NC, Crismon ML, Shafer A. Diagnoses and antipsychotic treatment among youths in a public mental health system. Ann Pharmacother. 2006;40(2):205-211.
