Children, Adolescents & Psychotropic Medication

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Psychotropic medications, also referred to as psychiatric or psychotherapeutic medications, are used to treat psychiatric disorders, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They have been used for many years and oftentimes come with dangerous side effects. The side effects that often occur in children taking these medications can include: fainting, blurred vision, vomiting, extreme weight gain, and even death ("Seroquel information,” n.d.). The use of psychotropic medication to treat mental disorders in children and adolescents is highly controversial because of ethical viewpoints (i.e. parents “drugging” their children to calm them down) and potentially harmful side effects, but one has to take into consideration whether the risks outweigh the benefits when deciding whether or not to give this type of medication to children. The use of psychotropic medication in children and adolescents dates back to 1937 when Charles Bradley conducted a study by prescribing the stimulant amphetamine sulphate (Benzedrine) to modify the behavior of children with severe behavioral disturbance. (Adams, 1991) Since these studies were conducted, more and more children and adolescents have been prescribed stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers for various mental disorders, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The potential side effects that happen to children taking these medications can include: fainting, blurred vision, vomiting, extreme weight gain, and even death ("Seroquel information,” n.d.). According to an article published by the University... ... middle of paper ... ...opic drugs. Retrieved from http://www.umdnj.edu/umcweb/marketing_and_communications/publications/umdnj_magazine/hstate/winter_spring01/features/feature03_psychotropic.htm NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health). (2008). Nimh - mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/complete-index.shtml Seroquel information from drugs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/seroquel.html Whitaker, R. (2010, December 04). Do psychiatric medications impair normal brain development?. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mad-in-america/201012/do-psychiatric-medications-impair-normal-brain-development Wilson, D. (2010, September 01). Child’s ordeal shows risks of psychosis drugs for young. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/business/02kids.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

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