SPENDING ON ADHD DRUGS INCREASED 369 PERCENT IN 2003

A recent analysis of drug use among 300,000 children under the age of 19 revealed a 369% increased in spending on drugs for ADHS for children under 5-years-old.

According to Dr. Robert Epstein, Medco Health Solutions, Inc.’s chief medical officer, this was the first time that spending for these drugs surpassed the amount spent on antibiotics and asthma medication for children.

          Antidepressants use increased 21% and drugs for autism and other conduct disorders jumped 71%, while antibiotics only increased 4.3%

          17% of total drug spending last year for the group of children under 19 was for behavioral medicines; 16% for antibiotics, 16% for asthma drugs, 11% for skin conditions, and 6% for allergy medicine.

          Antibiotics continue to top the list as the most commonly used children’s’ drugs; however stimulants and antidepressants are more costly.