Incidence rates of psychostimulant and non-stimulant medications among children and adolescents in Iceland : before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Aims: This study examined the incident dispensations of psychostimulant and non-stimulant medication among children and adolescents (6–18 years) by sex and age group in Iceland before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Information on prescriptions and dispensations of psychostimulant and non-stimulant medications was collected from the nationwide Prescription Medicine Registry. Annual incidence rates were calculated per 10,000 by dividing the number of incident dispensations each year by the corresponding population at risk, stratified by sex and age group. Negative binomial models were used to model incidence rate ratios (IRR). Results: During 2016–2024, males had significantly higher incidence rates than females, adjusted for year and age group. Compared to the youngest age group (6–8 years) all older age groups had lower incidence rates, with the 16–18 year age group having the lowest relative rate, adjusted for year and sex. Compared to 2019, incidence rates were higher for all pandemic years excluding 2020, with 2021 having the highest relative rate, adjusted for sex and age group. Conclusion: The incidence rates of psychostimulant and non-stimulant medication dispensations among children and adolescents increased significantly in Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidence was highest for males and the youngest age group throughout the study period. These findings warrant evaluation of available support for youth with ADHD and the development of measures to support this population in the event of another global pandemic or public health emergencies.

Author dc:creator

• Bryndís Lára Bjarnadóttir 2000-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Meistaraprófsritgerðir
• Sálfræði
• Lyf
• Börn
• Unglingar
• Psychology
• Medications
• Children
• Adolescents

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/53745

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/53745