Prescribing Practices in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Change Over Time 1993-2000.

BACKGROUND: Prescribing practices amongst child and adolescent psychiatrists in other countries appear to have changed in the past 10 years. This study sought to examine changes over the same time period in the UK. METHOD: A questionnaire survey of prescribing practices of child and adolescent psychiatrists in Oxford Region and Wales was compared with results of a similar survey of Oxford Region 7 years previously. RESULTS: The notable changes over time were an increase in prescribing to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and an increase in prescribing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of depression. The findings between Oxford and Wales in the year 2000 were similar, suggesting that these findings may be generalised throughout Britain. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing practices in the UK may have changed in the past decade with more use of stimulants and SSRIs. This is similar to the changes noted in the USA.