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Over Medication of Prescription Drugs in Children & Adolescents

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Over Medication of Prescription Drugs in Children & Adolescents
The Pervasive State of Mental Illness and the Over Medication of Prescription Drugs in Children & Adolescents

Abstract This study examines the pervasive state of mental illness and the overmedication of prescription drugs on children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 18 years of age, here in America. It has been predicted that the lack of studies on the medicated child has not been able to determine the overall long term effects that it might have on the participants involved. However, community supported programs such as Blended Case Management have become the cornerstone to managing and providing supportive care for the client and the families that suffer from the diagnosis of DSM IV or AXIS 1 classifications. Across the Atlantic the World Heath Organizations international mental health policies and programs are securely in place to ensure that everyone big or small is provided adequate care when dealing with the mental health in poverty stricken communities.

The Current State of Mental Health & the Medicated Child Mental Illness in children and adolescents is one of the most pervasive illnesses’ that is sweeping the American landscape. Every day a child is diagnosed under the classification of the DSM - IV or Axis I - R Diagnosis. DSM - IV or Axis I - R diagnosis is the criteria for which patients seek treatment for the following disorders that includes bi-polar disorders, schizophrenia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Mood Disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment with psychotropic drugs has increased in children from the ages of 5 - 18 years of age. Prescription drugs in children still remain virtually untested for long term serious side effects on the growth of children. Overzealous doctors and the pharmaceutical companies play a decisive role in the treatment of these illnesses. Currently there are over one million children that are being treated



References: Autism-Society (May 14, 2008). Statistics. http://www.autism- society.org/site/PageServer Child Family Institute. (February 26, 2008). Blended Case Management. Frontline. The medicated child. (2008). United States: PBS. Goldberg, C. (2001, July 9). Children trapped by mental illness. New York Times Harris, G. (2008, May 14). Court hears more claims of vaccine-autism Link Hersen, M. (1998). Handbook of psychological treatment and protocol in children & adolescents Pear, R. (2008, March 6). House approves bill on mental health parity. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Ed.). (2001). World Health Organization. (2008) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives of the Department of Mental Health and

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