I thought I may be able to move away from the “why we need to take less medication” vibe for a minute; but they pulled me back in.
The AP reported: “Anti-psychotic drug use up in U.K., U.S. kids|Associated Press May 5, 2008
(full story link http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-psych-drugsmay05,0,2426378.story)
In the U.K. study, anti-psychotics were prescribed for 595 children at a rate of less than four per 10,000 children in 1992. By 2005, 2,917 children were prescribed the drugs at a rate of seven per 10,000 — a near-doubling, said lead author Fariz Rani, a researcher at the University of London’s pharmacy school.
The study is being released Monday in the May edition of the journal Pediatrics.
By contrast, an earlier U.S. study found that nearly 45 American children out of 10,000 used the drugs in 2001 versus more than 23 per 10,000 in 1996.
There are big differences that could help explain the vastly higher U.S. rate.
A recent report in The Lancet suggested that the U.K.’s universal health care system limits prescribing practices there. The report also said direct-to-consumer ads are more common in the United States. These ads raise consumer awareness and demand for medication.
While drug company ties with doctors are common in both the U.S. and U.K., Vanderbilt University researcher Wayne Ray said U.K. physicians generally are more conservative about prescribing psychiatric drugs. Ray co-authored the U.S. study, which was published in 2004.
Attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity in children are real problems. These children need attention and sometimes that attention may mean medical intervention. I ask that we look at each child individually. Look at the long term benefits and risks associated with medications. Ask this simple question: Do I want to test this drug on my child? Then ask what else can I do and do that!!