There are few studies on the use of psychotropic drugs among children and youths, and many of them are outdated. The aim of this study was to look at dispensed prescription psychotropic drugs during the period 2004-2014 among Norwegian children and young people under 18 years. The study is a collaboration between researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, SERAF and Hedmark University College.
Use of a psychiatric drug in this study is defined as at least one psychotropic drug dispensed during each year. This is the most comprehensive overview of trends in the use of psychotropic drugs among children and young people so far in Norway.
Data from the Norwegian Prescription Database
Data for the study were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database, which looks at all outlets of prescription drugs from 2004 until today.
In this study we have investigated drugs to induce sleep including Alimemazine (Vallergan), antidepressants (antidepressants), medicines to treat psychosis (antipsychotics), anxiolytics (anxiolytics) and agents in the treatment of ADHD.
Total use among youth has increased
The results show that there has been an increase in overall use of psychotropic drugs aged between 0-17. However, regarding the different groups of psychotropic drugs, there are differences in the use within the different age groups.
Use of psychotropic drugs has declined among the youngest children, caused by the use of drugs to treat sleep problems has decreased. Among older children and adolescents, the use of psychotropic drugs increased, a result that can be attributed to the increasing use of drugs for ADHD, sleeping pills and antidepressants among girls.
The article is published in BMC Psychiatry and is available here.