Jacqueline G Hugtenburg1, Eibert R Heerdink, Yung Hwo Tso. 1. Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacotherapy, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.g.hugtenburg@pharm.uu.nl
Abstract
AIM: To gain more insight into the prescribing of psychoactive drugs by Dutch child psychiatrists. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all child psychiatrists in the Netherlands. Questions were asked about the prescribing of antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and psychostimulants for psychiatric disorders in children. RESULTS: The preference of specific antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiolytics depends on the disorder. For different disorders, off-label prescribing varies from 19 to 71%. CONCLUSION: Preferences differ widely. Off-label drug prescribing is high. More studies on the efficacy and safety of psychoactive drugs in children are therefore required.
AIM: To gain more insight into the prescribing of psychoactive drugs by Dutch child psychiatrists. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all child psychiatrists in the Netherlands. Questions were asked about the prescribing of antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and psychostimulants for psychiatric disorders in children. RESULTS: The preference of specific antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiolytics depends on the disorder. For different disorders, off-label prescribing varies from 19 to 71%. CONCLUSION: Preferences differ widely. Off-label drug prescribing is high. More studies on the efficacy and safety of psychoactive drugs in children are therefore required.