A study published in the most recent issue of Archives of Pediatrics
and Adolescent Medicine states the number of American children being
treated with psychiatric drugs has grown sharply in the past 15 years.
From 1987 to 1996, the number has tripled.
The study evaluated 900,000 children on Medicaid in a Midwest state, a
mid-Atlantic state and in a private HMO in the Northwest. It is
reported that by 1996, more than 6 percent of children were taking
drugs
such as Prozac, Ritalin and Risperdal.
Researchers question why there is an increase in prescribed psychiatric
drugs. Some believe "there are fewer options other than medication".
Other researchers state "the insurance system gave an incentive for
medications and a disincentive for therapy."
An abstract of the study can be found at
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/issues/current/abs/poa20275.html
Source: Washington Post author: Shankar Vednatm January 14, 2003
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/