Trends in antipsychotic treatment of children and adolescents in Israel from post-mental health reform to post-COVID19 pandemic (2015-2023).

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns of antipsychotic drug dispensations among children and adolescents from 2015 to 2023, with a focus on the impact of introducing national health reform (2015) and the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from Maccabi Healthcare Services, encompassing 1,105,439 individuals aged 6-18 years, were analyzed using a retrospective cohort study. We investigated the incidence rates of antipsychotic prescriptions by age, sex, socioeconomic status, and geographical region. During the study period, there was a 15% overall increase in antipsychotics prescriptions. Higher prescription rates were observed among boys aged 6-11 years and girls aged 14-18 years. Significant increases in prescriptions were observed in the year immediately following the mental health reform and the COVID-19 pandemic. Low socioeconomic status and peripheral regions exhibited higher and increasing prescription rates. Seasonal patterns revealed peaks in the fourth quarter of each year. The study highlights an overall increase in antipsychotic prescriptions, influenced by policy changes and the pandemic. Inequality in prescription rates by socioeconomic status and geographical location underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions. The findings also suggest enduring changes in the utilization of antipsychotic medications among youth, which may reflect broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care needs.