A new study by the Christian Mutuality (MC) reveals a marked decrease in overall medication use among children in Belgium over the past decade.
However, the report highlights a concerning rise in the use of antidepressants and ADHD medications among adolescents.
The MC’s analysis of billing data from its members aged 0-18 years between 2013 and 2023 indicates that 57% of children and teenagers had at least one reimbursed medication in 2023, a decrease from 62% in 2013.
This shift reflects a broader trend of reduced health insurance expenses for medication, which have dropped by 8% over the past decade.
One of the most significant changes observed was in the use of antibiotics. The study shows that the number of children and adolescents using common antibiotics like amoxicillin and amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid has dramatically fallen.
The former saw a 16% drop in users, while the latter experienced a steep 45% decline. The overall reduction in antibiotic prescriptions is viewed as a positive sign of progress in curbing unnecessary use, as over-prescription of antibiotics has been a long-standing issue.
Despite this, the report also points out that Belgium’s antibiotic consumption remains higher than the European average, suggesting a need for continued efforts in reducing overuse.
While antibiotics usage has decreased, medications for the nervous system, particularly ADHD and antidepressants, have seen a sharp increase.
The number of children using ADHD medication rose by 31.5%, and antidepressant prescriptions surged by 43% between 2013 and 2023. This troubling trend may reflect a broader societal shift, with rising mental health challenges among teenagers.
Experts have expressed concern over the increasing reliance on medications to manage conditions such as ADHD and depression, urging a closer examination of the underlying causes.
Additionally, the report highlights a significant decline in the use of oral contraceptives, with a 16% drop in users since 2013. At the same time, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) among teenage girls.
The number of under-18s opting for IUDs has grown substantially, from 52 requests for reimbursement in 2013 to 483 in 2023. This shift may signal a growing preference for long-acting, reversible contraception methods over daily pills.
The findings from the Christian Mutuality study provide a snapshot of changing health trends among Belgian youth.
While some declines in medication use, particularly in antibiotics, are encouraging, the rise in prescriptions for mental health conditions raises important questions about the state of adolescent well-being in the country.
Health professionals are urging a balanced approach, focusing on prevention, education, and support alongside medication management, to ensure the mental and physical health of Belgium’s next generation.
