There are dangers in over-medicating children with psychotropic drugs. Are there proper safety measures that go along with their use?
One Source Cited: On 9 February 2007 The Boston Globe presented an example of an overdose of psychotropic drugs; leading to the death of 4-year-old Rebecca Riley. Consequently, this sparked debates about whether health officials should press urgently to establish the advantages of treating children with psychotropic drugs, and the safety measures that go along with their use.
From top to bottom, the text questions: the dangers of over-medicating children who show signs of potential mental disorders; the age at which children should start the prescribed medication; assessment of children after psychotropic medication treatment; and the responsibility of doctors to evaluate the ability of parents to oversee these potentially fatal drugs (The Boston Globe).
To a large extent it is critical that ‘health officials press urgently to determine the advantages of treating children with psychotropic drugs, and the cautions that must accompany their use’. Research on this topic appears to support the idea that intense discussion and consideration about pharmacotherapy is vital for future directions of treating children with these medications.
According to Hyman (2006) there are far more difficulties in determining the risks and benefits of psychotropic drugs in children. There is also less information known about mental disorders in children than in adults and numerous drugs have not been sufficiently tested in children, particularly because their brains are still developing. In addition, there is even less data about the safety and efficacy of antidepressants in children (Hyman 2006).
In actual fact, Hyman (2006) states that these drugs are being used even in the absence of data. The need for more clinical research involving children is imperitive, to identify the potential risk-benefits of psychopharmacology. It is the responsibility of caregivers to diagnose; manage and be commited to training in this area. Therefore there is a need to find out whether the approaches of these drugs are beneficial and safe for children. Furthermore, some thought is required about a greater goal and a more practical way to enhance the quality of life for children showing signs of possible mental disorders.
There are needs that should be met by patching up the treatment gaps and incorporating an effective monitoring system which allows health professionals to liaison with schools, other professionals and agencies. In doing so, diagnostics may be improved, as well as treatment and follow- up services and possibly; even the recurrence of over-medication may be avoided?
References:
The Boston Globe
Hyman, S.E. (2006). Improving our brains? [Electronic Version]. Biosocieties, 1, 103-111. Retrieved
