Psychostimulant Prescriptions by Psychiatrists Higher Than Expected: A Self-Report Survey

Abstract

Objective: To survey Alberta psychiatrists on their prescribing of psychostimulants to adults. Method: A questionnaire was mailed to all 245 registered psychiatrists in Alberta. The respondents were requested to anonymously report, for the previous year, the number of adult patients to whom they prescribed pemoline, methylphenidate, amphetamines, or other psychostimulants for the treatment of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, and other disorders. Results: The response rate was 93.9%; 88.7% treated adults. Of these, 46.6% prescribed psychostimulants to 1238 patients. The greatest proportion of prescriptions of psychostimulants was for adult ADHD, depression, and narcolepsy. Conclusions: Psychostimulants are more widely prescribed by psychiatrists than indicated in earlier studies and in recommendations for treatment.