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When The Prescription Of Medications Is Not So Trendy

Published by John Scott | June 5th 2009 | Views:

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Wherever you look in the newspapers or online, there are stories about people being arrested in possession of drugs. That an increasing number of these stories involve xanax should not surprise us. Xanax has been and remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, yet it is a controlled substance in most countries. Ordinary people, worried about the onset of anxiety or a panic attack naturally carry a bottle of pills around with them. They do not always remember to carry their prescriptions with them. This behaviour represents something of a culture shift. A few years ago, people would not have so openly carried anti-anxiety medication around with them. Now it is more socially acceptable (even if still illegal).

Trends are always difficult to detect in the area of mental health because getting the research evidence usually depends on the honesty of people self-reporting. Nevertheless, the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has just released a report on Mental Health and Well-Being. It is the biennial Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey which may be a sign of a more general change in youth culture.

Just over 20% of the 6,300 students questioned reported seeking help from a mental-health professional in 2007. This represents a 9% increase over the percentage reporting a consultation between 1999 and 2005. The researchers do not believe that the mental health of the young in Canada has suddenly dighly stressed societies. Looking at the pressures on children to hit the right educational standards they need to get good jobs, some anxiety is to be expected. As expected, a steady 30% of students taking part in the bienniel survey have reported levels of anxiety and depression sufficient to disrupt their normal pattern of living. Around 10% rate their mental health as "poor" with a fairly constant 3% reporting attempted suicide.

But there is one very interesting statistic that stands out above all others. Less than 1% of those surveyed reported that a doctor had prescribed any medication to treat their anxiety or depression. This is a most interesting response from the medical profession. Whether as psychiatrists or general practitioners, there would seem to be a reluctance to resort to medication.

Returning to xanax for a moment, there have been no formal clinical trials to establish the safety of this medication in younger people so whether it is prescribed to children is left to the discretion of their doctors. Given the high profile of xanax, it would be surprising if those seeking help did not ask about taking it. Many celebrities like John Meyer are quite open about their use. Yet it would seem that Canadian doctors are cautious in prescribing it. Whether the teens themselves are as wise given the more general availability of the medication is unknown. There is considerable anecdotal evidence that teenagers are casual in their abuse of prescription medications. They reason that if regulatory authorities have approved them, the drugs must be safe.

Thus, in Canada at least, the medical profession is relying on counselling and therapy as a first-line response to the treatment of the walking wounded in schools. If their ability to cope declines or they harm themselves, the children will of course receive appropriate medication under supervision. But if they can continue to function, prudence dictates that they should do so for as long as possible without resorting to medication.


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