Prevalence of Psychotropic Medication in Childhood and Adolescence in the Federal Republic of Germany

Abstract

The use of psychotropic drugs in childhood and adolescence has been the subject of intense debate during the last few years. Allegations about the excessive consumption and overprescription of these substances in younger age groups play an important role in the public discussion. In this situation it would be useful to present relevant data on the prescription volume of psychotropic drugs in childhood and adolescence. The present investigation comprises data of 1985 using the GKV drug index and the IMS prescription index. According to the authors' results the prescription volume of these drugs is significantly lower than estimated in previous pilot studies. Illustrating the prescriptions by means of a drug profile, type and prevalence of psychotropic medication in children and adolescents are clearly distinguished from those of other age groups by the greater use of homeopathics and phytopharmaceutics. Among the psychotropics the neuroleptics represent the largest group. In comparison with international drug prevalence studies the prescription volume of psychostimulants is extremely low in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Arzneiverordnungs-Report 2010

“…Ausgelöst wurden die Steigerungen in den letzten eineinhalb Jahrzehnten vermutlich durch den begründeten Verdacht, dass in Deutschland bei der Indikation Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) Psychostimulanzien lange Zeit unterverordnet wurden (Elliger et al 1990). B. Ritalin) hat 2009 nur wenig zugenommen (Abbildung 39.5, Tabelle 39.11).…”

Psychotropic medication for ADHD

“…A second factor that limits stimulant treatment outside of North America is the tight legal restrictions that are applied to stimulant prescriptions in many countries [Safer and Krager, 1984;Simeon et al, 1995]. A third factor is the frequent use of phytopharmaceuticals and homeopathic medicine in Germany [Ellinger et al, 1990] and the preferential use of hypnotics and neuroleptics for problematic youths in Germany [Minde, 1998]. …”

Psychopharmacology in the Treatment of Conduct Disorder Children and Adolescents: Rationale, Prospects, and Ethics

“…The review would be useful to practitioners and researchers who utilize psychotropic medicines with paediatric populations. The use of psychotropic medicines with children and adolescents is on the increase (Adams, 1991;Bramble & Dunkey, 1992;Kaplan, Simms, & Busner, 1994), regardless of the need for information on their appropriateness or effectiveness (Ellinger, Trott, & Nissen, 1990;Kaplan, Simms, & Busner, 1994). For instance, Bramble and Dunkey reported that 85% of235 British child and adolescent psychiatrists prescribed psychotropic drugs, whereas one in five of children receiving treatment from child psychiatrists in two US jurisdictions were prescribed psychotropic medicines.…”