Multiple psychiatric diagnoses common in privately insured children on atypical antipsychotics.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of atypical antipsychotic use in privately insured children and the diagnoses associated with treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Claims were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of children aged 2 through 18 years in the Midwest, covered by private insurance between 2002 and 2005 (n = 172,766). The 1-year prevalence of children receiving atypical antipsychotics was determined along with associated diagnoses. RESULTS: The 1-year prevalence of atypical antipsychotics ranged from 7.9 per 1000 in 2002 to 9.0 in 2005. The leading diagnoses were disruptive behavior disorders (67%), mood disorders (65%), and anxiety disorders (43%).The authors found that 75% of children on atypical antipsychotics had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical antipsychotic use is primarily seen in children who have multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness in such patients with multiple diagnoses.