The use of antipsychotic medication in child and adolescent psychiatric treatment in Denmark. A cross-sectional survey.
The number of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders being treated with antipsychotic medication is increasing significantly; however, only a limited evidence-base is available on this topic, especially when children are concerned. This study reports and discusses the use of antipsychotic medication in children and adolescents below 19 years of age in Denmark. A national cross-sectional survey registered the use of antipsychotic drugs on a given date. A questionnaire was sent to all child and adolescent psychiatric departments and all consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry throughout the country. All children and adolescents, aged 0-18 years, registered in treatment with antipsychotic medication, were included. Sixty-seven per cent of clinics and 63% of consultants participated. The total number of subjects registered in examination or treatment in the participating units was 3854. Antipsychotic medication was used in n=244 (6.4%) of these cases. Eighty-eight patients received additional medication, of which 24% received antidepressants, 8% sedative medication and 4% psychostimulants. The age of the patients was 4-18 years, and 63% was male. The most frequent diagnoses for patients in antipsychotic treatment were: schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, autism spectrum disorders and personality disorders. Monotherapy was used in 87% of cases. Sixty-four per cent of patients treated with antipsychotics, received a second-generation antipsychotic as the main treatment. All 244 patients received one or more additional treatment modalities other than medication. Antipsychotic medication has a definite role in the treatment of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Second-generation antipsychotics used as monotherapy prevail.
Bispebjerg Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. mdeurell@dadlnet.dk
Maria
M
Deurell
Merete
M
Weischer
Anne Katrine
AK
Pagsberg
Jette
J
Labianca
D000293:Adolescent; D000296:Adolescent Psychiatry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents