Call Today: 800-250-7280
Contact us for free information or to start a free case review.
Two studies published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found the use of prescribed antidepressants and other drugs among children throughout the world are increasing. In all nine countries surveyed between 2000 and 2002, except Canada and Germany, researchers found significant increases of pediatric prescriptions of antidepressants.
Classifying the increased use of psychotropic medications in children to be “a global public health issue,” according to Ian Wong of the Centre for Paediatric Pharmacy Research at the University of London, doctors prescribe antidepressants based on research in adults. The high use of antidepressants among children has been controversial, as drugmakers often have not studied its safety and efficacy.
Researchers analyzed information from the international database IMS MIDAS on children and adolescents up to the age of 17 in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.
Though some researchers attribute the increase in antidepressant use among children to show a growing awareness of depression and mental illness, the trend is worrisome to many because of the few clinical trials available of drugs in children. Earlier this year, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer accused GlaxoSmithKline in a lawsuit of fraudulently suppressing information about its antidepressant Paxil that showed the drug was widely ineffective in youngsters and could increase risks of suicidal behavior.
Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Online Lawyer Source
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT—Thank you for your visit. The content published on this website was not written by medical professionals and should not, at any point, be mistaken for medical advice. Furthermore, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. In addition, viewing the content on this website, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form should never be considered the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The material published on this site is general and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case comes with its own set of unique circumstances; past success discussed on this site does not guarantee future performance. Information found on this website should not be used as incentive to act without seeking counsel from a professional. For more information, please read our disclaimer.