Anti-Psychotic Drug Prescriptions On A High In US Kids

Setting the ball to roll for a new debate on how over-treated are the US kids with respect to the UK kids in terms of anti-psychotic drugs, a new UK study reveals alarmingly high rates of anti-psychotic drug prescriptions to US kids, compared to their UK counterparts.

It was found in the study that kids in America were taking these medications almost six times the rate at which kids in the United Kingdom were.

According to the data revealed by the study, in UK, around 595 children were prescribed anti-psychotics, at the rate of 4 per 10,000 children in 1992. This number rose to 2,917 children by 2005, making it a rate of 7 per 10,000.

Alarmingly, in the US the numbers rose from a 23 per 10,000 children being prescribed the drugs in 1996, to 45 per 10,000 in 2001.

These statistics where on one end indicate an increase in the prescription of anti- psychotic drugs in both the countries over the years; they also indicate higher levels of prescription in America as compared to UK.

The general trend of increase in prescription rates of these drugs in both the countries over a span of several years can be attributed to an increase in the cases of Autism and Hyperactivity, combined with an over exposure to the drug industry.

However, a number of factors play a vital role in the huge difference between the two countries as far as prescription rates are concerned. There are various factors that contribute to America having a higher prescription rate of anti-psychotic drugs as compared to UK.

Firstly, the prescribing practices are more liberal in the US as compared to UK, where physicians usually take a conservative approach to prescribing psychotic drugs.

Secondly, although doctor retailer interaction too is more in America and so is the exposure to direct to consumer ads, thanks to them the consumer is more aware of the drugs and more demanding for the same.

Thirdly, there is scarcity of long term safety data of such drugs. Side effects including weight gain, nervous-system problems and heart trouble have been reported in children using these drugs and there's little long-term evidence about whether they're safe for them, the study authors said.

Not only this, the study also brought to light certain other facts. Like the drugs which saw an increase in prescription rates for kids, haven’t actually been officially approved for them. One such drug is Risperdal, used to actually treat schizophrenia, but often prescribed by doctors for autism.

It is time that the magnitude of the problem is understood and steps to provide effective and appropriate treatment be taken.

It remains for us to ponder now, that other than medical practices gone awry, to what should such findings be attributed. Changing times and fast paced lives probably, have today brought people on crossroads where the choice to patiently deal with a psychologically upset or distressed child is often the least taken path, with many parents turning to anti-psychotic drugs, which seemingly are the easiest solution to such problems, irrespective of the long term damages associated with them. Many of which might prove to be irreversible.