Off-label prescribing patterns of antidepressants in children and adolescents.

Purpose: To understand the extent of off-label prescribing among pediatrics, the study assesses the prescribing patterns of antidepressants in ambulatory settings.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2000 to 2006. The prevalence of off-label prescribing of antidepressants was estimated, and predictive factors were evaluated.