Changes in antidepressant medications prescribing trends in children and adolescents in Hawai'i following the FDA black box warning.
OBJECTIVE
To study prescribing trends for antidepressants in Hawai'i following the FDA black box warning regarding the possible risk of suicide in children and adolescents. We also explored relationships between changes in prescribing trends and patient and provider characteristics.


METHODS
Analysis of an existing insurance data set of prescriptions to children and adolescents within the State of Hawai'i.


METHODS
Children and adolescents under 18-years-old insured through the largest (>60%) third-party insurance company in the state.


RESULTS
Our results showed variations in changes in prescribing trends for different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) following the FDA black box warning. SSRIs with more evidence-based research supporting their safety and efficacy were least affected as were those that were less implicated by the FDA analysis of the possible link between SSRIs and Suicidality. Trends were apparent for all age groups examined and for both females and males.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in prescribing patterns of psychiatric medications for children and adolescents in Hawai'i were identified. Differing patterns have evolved since 2003 following the series of concerns raised regarding SSRIs and suicidality in children and adolescents.
Hassanin
Hanan
H
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA. HHassanin@aol.com
Harbi
Al
A
Saif
Abdullah
A
Davis
Jim
J
Easa
David
D
Harrigan
Rosanne
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004348:Drug Labeling; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors