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U.S. Population Prevalence of Prescription Psychiatric Medication Use Among Children and Adolescents, 2006-2023

Publication Date
Authors
Tim Creedon and Joel Dubenitz

Recent federal policy discussions have renewed focus on psychiatric medication use among children and adolescents. Psychiatric medications represent one evidence-based component within a spectrum of effective treatments for pediatric mental illness, alongside psychotherapy, family-based interventions, and school supports. Prior research has documented varying trends in psychotropic medication prescribing for youth over time, though comprehensive analyses, derived from a single, consistent source and examining multiple medication classes through recent years, have been limited. This Data Point report examines national trends in four major classes of psychiatric medications prescribed to U.S. children and adolescents aged 3-17 years from 2006 to 2023, providing current insights into prescribing patterns across different age groups. The key findings of the report are:

  • From 2006 to 2023, the annual prevalence of U.S. children and adolescents aged 3-17 years receiving SSRIs increased from 1.5% to 3.6%, while stimulant use remained relatively stable and both antipsychotic and mood stabilizer use showed slight decreases.
  • Despite varying trends, the overall prevalence of psychiatric medication use across these four classes remained relatively low among youth, with no medication class exceeding 5.3% of the population aged 3-17 years.
  • Adult prescription patterns differed notably from youth patterns, with consistent increases across all four medication classes, suggesting different clinical needs and treatment approaches between age groups.

    *This content is in the process of Section 508 review. If you need immediate assistance accessing this content, please submit a request to Joel Dubenitz, joel.dubenitz@hhs.gov. Content will be updated pending the outcome of the Section 508 review.