Prevalence of psychoactive medication in children and adolescents.

Prevalence studies in Psychopharmacology are few and have many methodological flaws. This study examines the prevalence of psychoactive drugs in children and adolescents. Contrary to other studies, central nervous system stimulants are not the most widely prescribed psychoactive drugs in childhood and adolescence, but rather, minor tranquilizers, sedatives and hypnotics are the most widely prescribed psychoactive drugs. While this study overcomes some of the flaws of previous studies further studies regarding the prevalence of use of psychoactive drugs in childhood and adolescence are recommended.