OBJECTIVE:

To determine national pediatric prescribing practices for psychotropic agents and to examine these practices in view of the available evidence concerning their safety and efficacy in this age group.

METHOD:

Prescribing data from 2 national databases based on surveys of office-based medical practices were determined and reviewed vis-à-vis available safety and efficacy evidence.

RESULTS:

Data indicate that levels of psychotropic prescribing in children and adolescents are greatest for stimulants, resulting in nearly 2 million office visits and 6 million drug "mentions" in 1995. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the second most prescribed psychotropic agents, while anticonvulsant mood stabilizers (prescribed for a psychiatric reason), tricyclic antidepressants, central adrenergic agonists, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and lithium were also prescribed for a substantial number of office visits. Comparison of prescribing frequencies with available safety and efficacy data indicates significant gaps in knowledge for commonly used agents.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most psychotropic agents require further sustained study to ensure appropriate health care expenditures and vouchsafe children's safety. Recommendations for researchers, parents, federal agencies, and industry are offered as a means to accelerate the pace of research progress.