The consumption of psychotropic drugs among those under 18 has increased worryingly over the past ten years, notes the High Council for the Family, Childhood and Age (HCFEA), an advisory body placed under the Prime Minister. The report of this body was made public on Monday, March 13.
The increase between 2010 and 2021 in the consumption of psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents is considerable “, according to the High Council of the family, childhood and age (HCFEA). Plus 60% for antidepressants, +150% for hypnotics and sedatives for example.
In 2021, 5% of minors consumed psychotropic drugs, twice as many as ten years ago. Thus, this phenomenon of overmedication does not concern isolated cases but tens of thousands of children “, points the instance. And it predates the health crisis. This continuous increase is disproportionate to what is observed in European countries and North America, where the medication of the youngest stagnates or decreases, notes the organization.
Child psychiatry in crisis
In addition, in France, prescriptions are largely outside of regulatory recommendations. This is problematic given that psychotropic drugs often have significant adverse effects.
Finally, drug treatment should normally only be prescribed as a second-line treatment in children confronted with mental disorders; the care recommended is primarily psychotherapeutic or educational. But there is, recalls the High Council, “ a chronic deficit in the supply of care » in child psychiatry and in the medico-social sector; it worsens while the number of children in psychic difficulty increases.