Combined psychopharmacological treatment among child and adolescent inpatients in Finland

The aim of this study is to report the prevalence and factors associated with combined pharmacotherapy among child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients in Finland. The target group was all child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients at the beginning of the year 2000. Information about medication use was obtained for 475 patients. The prevalence of combined pharmacotherapy was 16%. Of those taking pharmacotherapy, 36% had combined treatment. The most common combinations were neuroleptics and SSRIs. Most of the patients with combined pharmacotherapy had depressive or psychotic disorder. Among those with medication, older age (13-18 years), psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, low functioning level (CGAS > 40) and involuntary treatment were associated with combined treatment. Illness severity and treatment resistance were associated with combined pharmacotherapy. Further studies on indications, safety and efficacy of combined pharmacotherapy are warranted.