ADHD: Safety and Effectiveness of Psychotropic Medicines
"Many people complain that children in the U.S. are on too many psychotropic drugs (such as Prozac and Ritalin). Is this true or are these medications improving the lives of our children who are truly suffering from these disorders (such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, etc.)? "
Several kids in the US are on psychotropic drugs e.g. Prozac and Ritalin which haven’t undergone full investigation in children clinical trials. There is a widespread practice where psychiatrists’ prescribe these medications off label. This possesses serious consequences; both short and long term for these children. Research shows that USA leads in number of psychotropic usage among pediatrics. Further confirmation suggests that many of the youngsters are put on in excess of one drug at the same time (Morgan 498)
Despite having an increase in children receiving psychotropic drugs for attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), OCD as well as depression in America, there’s little data on the effectiveness and safety on their use. There are several studies exploring treatments for ADHD. Nevertheless, there’s inadequate information on proper pharmacological therapies for other psychological health disorders faced by pediatrics. Many studies base their information on adult clinical trials; the reality is that this is a limitation when applied to the children population. (Parker 63-64).
A looming controversy exists in regards to the application of psychotropic medicines. There are individuals who consider that these drugs can unlock children’s full potential to develop as well as lead productive, healthy lives; others do believe that increased usage of these drugs signifies ‘medicalization’ of children’s normal behavior without regarding the long term socio-cultural and biological consequences. Admittedly, majority of Americans don’t have patience or time to withstand the heat. With this at stake, it becomes easier to take sides and also have affirmed beliefs than to
Several kids in the US are on psychotropic drugs e.g. Prozac and Ritalin which haven’t undergone full investigation in children clinical trials. There is a widespread practice where psychiatrists’ prescribe these medications off label. This possesses serious consequences; both short and long term for these children. Research shows that USA leads in number of psychotropic usage among pediatrics. Further confirmation suggests that many of the youngsters are put on in excess of one drug at the same time (Morgan 498)
Despite having an increase in children receiving psychotropic drugs for attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), OCD as well as depression in America, there’s little data on the effectiveness and safety on their use. There are several studies exploring treatments for ADHD. Nevertheless, there’s inadequate information on proper pharmacological therapies for other psychological health disorders faced by pediatrics. Many studies base their information on adult clinical trials; the reality is that this is a limitation when applied to the children population. (Parker 63-64).
A looming controversy exists in regards to the application of psychotropic medicines. There are individuals who consider that these drugs can unlock children’s full potential to develop as well as lead productive, healthy lives; others do believe that increased usage of these drugs signifies ‘medicalization’ of children’s normal behavior without regarding the long term socio-cultural and biological consequences. Admittedly, majority of Americans don’t have patience or time to withstand the heat. With this at stake, it becomes easier to take sides and also have affirmed beliefs than to