Abstracts by keywords: children
Data on the use of drug migraine therapies in children in routine practice are limited. The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the prescribing patterns of acute migraine therapies in outpatient pediatric practices in Germany. This retrospective, cross-sectional study includes children aged 2–12 years with a migraine diagnosis diagnosed by one of the 250 participating pediatricians between January 2015 and December 2023. 10.9% of the children aged 2–5 years and 18.3% of the children aged 6–12 years received a prescription for migraine medication. The most frequently prescribed active ingredient was ibuprofen (75.4% and 75.9%, respectively), which is available in various dosage forms. Among children aged 2–5 years who received an ibuprofen prescription, 68.2% received ibuprofen as a suspension, 16.3% as rectal suppositories, and 15.5% as orodispersible tablets. In the 6–12 year age group, suspension (36.3%) was the most frequently prescribed dosage form, followed by orodispersible tablets (31.8%) and solid tablets (29.9%). The proportion of orodispersible tablets was significantly higher among privately insured patients than among publicly insured patients (53.7% vs. 31.0%) and higher in 2015 compared to 2024 (40.5% vs. 24.8%). Orodispersible tablets appear to be the preferred dosage form for children, but they cannot always be prescribed due to discount agreements.
02.06.2025
Since it was first described in China in December 2019, Covid-19 has spread worldwide and subsequently triggered a severe pandemic (1). To prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed and to slow the spread of the disease, governments around the world have implemented a range of non-pharmaceutical measures of varying intensity (2). In Germany, these measures included closing schools and public playgrounds, and recommending companies to enable and facilitate remote work (3). Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses show the increased prevalence of mental health problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic in adults (4, 5). However, it is not just adults who have been affected by the pandemic measures. The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has also impacted the daily lives of children and young people, including the closure of schools and a lack of outdoor activities. A number of Asian and European studies have shown that a significant proportion of children and adolescents suffer from mental health problems as a result of the coronavirus pandemic or related measures (6-11).
07.08.2021
For the treatment of developmental disorders, the focus is on medically oriented and psychological-educational support measures. One of the medically oriented support measures is occupational therapy (Jašcenoka & Petermann, 2013; Pietz, Moog, & Blank, 2014; Tal-Saban et al., 2014). Ergotherapeutic measures are complex, activating and action-oriented methods. The aim is to improve impaired motor, sensory, psychological and cognitive abilities through activity in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure (Arbesman, Bazyk, & Nochajski, 2013; Sauer et al., 2010). Children with developmental disabilities represent a very large group of clients in preschool and school age in outpatient occupational therapy (Becker & Jagusch-Espei, 2011). Studies have shown that occupational therapy interventions can contribute to an increase in visual perception, motor and coordination performance and promote a generally positive developmental course (Frank, 2008; Hüttemann & Brauchle, 2011; Poulsen et al., 2007; Whitney & Hilton, 2013 ). Furthermore, occupational therapy intervention in group therapy can have a positive effect on clients' self-esteem (McWilliams, 2005). In Germany, occupational therapy is prescribed by practicing doctors, according to which occupational therapy takes place in occupational therapy practice (DGN, 2011; Gauggel, 2014; Küther, 2014). Child psychiatrists are primarily responsible for the treatment and outpatient care of children with developmental disabilities (DGN, 2011; Hintzpeter et al., 2014; Lehmkuhl, Köster & Schubert, 2009). However, like other doctors, they are under financial pressure from health insurance companies, so a prescription must always be justified (Ärzte Zeitung, 2014; Szucs, 2014). So far, little is known about the specific prescribing behavior of child psychiatrists in Germany for occupational therapy.