Use of Psychiatric Drugs by Children
More Than Doubled in a Decade
by Kevin Caruso
A report in The Archives of Pediatrics Medicine indicates that the use of psychiatric drugs by children more than doubled for the decade of 1987 to 1996.
Research form the University of Maryland tracked 900,000 children for that decade and found that psychotropic drug use by children under 18 rose form 2.5 percent to 6.7 percent.
The drugs taken included antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and stimulants.
Conflicting opinions abound as to whether this is "good" or "bad."
Some people contend that the mental health community is effectively treating depression and other mental illnesses, and thus not only preventing the illnesses from getting worse, but also preventing suicides.
Others question the efficacy of the drugs and contend that possible negative long-term
effects from the drugs may occur.
If your child is depressed, he needs treatment immediately.
Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
The only question you should have is, "What treatment is best?"
And not, "Should I get treatment for my child?"
Please research treatment options, get your child into therapy, and consider medication.
And remember, untreated depression is the number one reason for suicide.
Take action, but be informed, and proceed with caution.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
