Comparing data from the years 2011 and 2017, this study found a significant increase in the off-label prescribing of antipsychotic drugs to young Australians. With the numbers equivalent to almost 80 percent of all Australian people prescribed antipsychotics in 2017, the most common reasons cited for giving the drugs were to treat depression or anxiety.
Further emphasizing the potential harms, the researchers noted that a concurrent use of psychiatric drugs is also common among Australian children and adolescents – thus posing an even greater risk of adverse effects.
Previous research has shown that when prescribed to adults suffering from depression, antipsychotics have been linked to a higher risk of mortality. In women, long-term use of some antipsychotic drugs is also associated with significantly increased odds of breast cancer.
To read how high-dose B vitamins have been found to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia more than standard antipsychotic drug treatments used alone, see this article on our website.
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December 15, 2023Australian Study Finds Risky Increase in Antipsychotic Drugs for Children
News
Australian GPs are prescribing more antipsychotic drugs to children and adolescents for unapproved uses, according to a new study by University of Adelaide researchers.
[Source: medicalxpress.com]
Comment
Comparing data from the years 2011 and 2017, this study found a significant increase in the off-label prescribing of antipsychotic drugs to young Australians. With the numbers equivalent to almost 80 percent of all Australian people prescribed antipsychotics in 2017, the most common reasons cited for giving the drugs were to treat depression or anxiety.
Further emphasizing the potential harms, the researchers noted that a concurrent use of psychiatric drugs is also common among Australian children and adolescents – thus posing an even greater risk of adverse effects.
Previous research has shown that when prescribed to adults suffering from depression, antipsychotics have been linked to a higher risk of mortality. In women, long-term use of some antipsychotic drugs is also associated with significantly increased odds of breast cancer.
To read how high-dose B vitamins have been found to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia more than standard antipsychotic drug treatments used alone, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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