Alterations in medication in a child and adolescentpsychiatric outpatient clinic

Objective: To examine alterations in medication practices in a child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic. Method: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients admitted to a child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital was performed over a period of six months. Results: Hyperactivity-distractibility was the most common admission symptom and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the most common disorder. Approximately one-quarter of subjects were prescribed psychotropic medications. The most commonly prescribed medications were in descending order of frequency: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics and stimulants. About half of depressed subjects were prescribed SSRIs and one-quarter of subjects with ADHD were prescribed stimulants. Conclusions: Our findings may be helpful in improving treatment services in child and adolescent psychiatry.