Characteristics of psychopharmacotherapy in child-psychiatric inpatient treatment in Finland

Abstract

This epidemiologic point-prevalence study explores the prevalence and use of psychopharmacotherapy in child-psychiatric inpatient treatment in Finland. The study was carried out in January 1988. The material consisted of all patients who occupied a child-psychiatric bed on the study day, totaling 237 patients. Most of the child psychiatric inpatients were boys (75%). Adjustment and neurotic-type disorders were the principal reasons for hospitalization. Psychotropic medication was the treatment of choice for 20% of the patients. Regular medication was prescribed for 17% and medication as required for 5%. The prevalence varied considerably between the hospitals (from 0% up to 65%). Medicated children were significantly older than the rest of the patients (11.9 versus 10.1 years). Neuroleptics constituted the most important drug group (63% of all drug prescriptions) and were used in all types of disorders. Psychotic disorders were treated significantly more often with medication (67%) than other types of disturbances. The drug doses used were low compared with suggestions made in child-psychiatric handbooks.