Summary
The use of psychotropic drugs affects 82% of children and young people up to 17 years of age, with particular attention to ADHD and antidepressants.
The use of drugs for psychiatric treatments affects 82% of children and young people up to 17 years of age, according to a survey conducted by Far.me. The study, which analyzed data from January to September 2024 on children and adolescents who recurrently use drugs, draws attention to the high use of drugs for this type of treatment in the youngest age group.
Among the most significant data from the survey, organized by the online subscription pharmacy that uses technology to facilitate adherence to treatment for those who continuously use drugs, the use of drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stands out ( ADHD). which boys use twice as many drugs as girls.
Methylphenidate, the main drug for treating ADHD, is used by 16% of boys and 7% of girls. This is noteworthy given the difficulty of diagnosing ADHD in girls. In total, ADHD accounted for 11% of all medications used by youth in the study.
Furthermore, 44% of young people who recurrently use drugs consume antidepressants, especially sertraline, escitalopram and fluoxetine, indicated for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Among antidepressants, usage rates are balanced between boys and girls, indicating growing concern about the mental health of both sexes.
Another relevant fact is the high prevalence of drugs for more serious disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Drugs such as risperidone, quetiapine and aripiprazole are widely used, especially 12% of young people use risperidone. This demonstrates a significant increase in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders at an early age.
“The data reveal a worrying scenario, in which disorders such as ADHD and depression are being treated in children at increasingly younger ages. This reality reinforces the importance of promoting broader awareness of mental health, especially on World Mental Health Day. While early treatment is essential, we must also ensure that these young people receive the family and psychological support needed to face these challenges in a healthy way,” says Rafael Mandelbaum, CEO of Far.me.
The study also highlights the need to broaden the debate on the mental health of children and adolescents and the importance of continuous psychological and medical monitoring to avoid self-medication and ensure that treatment is as comprehensive as possible.
Source: Terra
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