In the last two decades childhood disorders have been on the rise, or are we just putting a tag on all these behaviors? In 1996 Dr. Biederman and his team found that 1/3 of their ADHD patients fit more of the symptoms for a childhood bipolar disorder. This was unheard of at the time, but it caught on quick and childhood bipolar diagnosis went up 4,000% according to PBS’s frontline. Kids have been given multiple medications and never the option of a Therapy/Medication regiment, although the long-term affects are still unknown for a lot of these medications. Now I don’t think that we should quit medication, but rather combine it with other therapies. One study showed that, in kids, a placebo was more affective in treating depression than antidepressants. And when antidepressants showed an increase in teen suicide psychiatrists just switched kids to antipsychotics. Again is it that these disorders are on the rise or has society changed? should we really be giving out some of these medications if we don’t know what developmental problems they might cause.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Children and Medication
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I do think that today people are wanting a quick fix option. My nephew was going to be diagnosed with ADHD when he was only two years old, but the doctor knew the effects of Ritalin. So, he had my sister take take him to a Psychologist. The Psychologist determined that he was acting the way he was because he was receiving inconsistent discipline. Within just three days, people thought that my nephew was on medication. As a result, I think that all other options need to be looked at before medicating children.
ReplyDeleteI agree that children now days are being diagnosed with ADHD way to soon. Yes some children truly need medication for their problems, but now it seems that as if a child is acting up in the classroom that they automatically need to be put on medication. My nephew was diagnosed with ADHD also and I could see the difference from when he was off the medication and from when he was on it. It seems now as if he has a lack of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and has become dependent on the medication to do anything. I agree that other beneficial options need to be looked upon for the problem before medicating children.
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in therapy/medication regimens. Medication influences the chemistry involved with disorders, but therapy is necessary to produce long-term, positive effects. In my opinion, the medical community has been quite liberal with the distribution of anti-anxiety medication and medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I believe preliminary steps should be taken to address the issue before seeking a prescription. This is the responsibility of the patient and his or her doctor. The doctor should recommend all appropriate, yet relevant therapies and treatments before prescribing anti-anxiety medications and ADHD medications. These medications are highly controlled substances and can be addictive.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we are over medicating children because it is a quick fix. There may also be some underlying issues that should also be ruled out before just giving medication.
ReplyDeleteLook at the changes at how children react now with modern technology compared to how they use to play before this technology. Kids use to play outside! Now that's unheard of because kids would rather play their video games or be on the computer.
Children have tons of energy, maybe their seditary lifestyle is not allowing them to properly use up or positively focus these energy reserves. This could then result in ADHD like symptoms. Also, exercise increases mood, which could be a positive way to help children with depression.