LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Consumer Reports, doctors are prescribing powerful psychotropic drugs to children at a rate that has tripled in the past 10-15 years. Doctors prescribe these drugs to treat serious psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, and are increasingly prescribing them to treat lesser behavioral problems in kids.
Doctors are prescribing the drugs to children as young as 2 years of age. Evidence now suggests these drugs may come with serious side effects such as weight gain, high cholesterol risk, and the possibility of type-2 diabetes, according to Consumer Reports.
The American Psychiatric Association is calling on doctors to revisit how they treat children with behavioral problems, suggesting that doctors refrain from using the drugs as a first-line treatment. Yet, hapless parents may still insist.
Doctors typically prescribe these drugs for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they are now being given to kids with ADHD and autism. Doctors may prescribe any drug for any condition they feel it is medically necessary.
It doesn't help that these kids often consume large quantities of sugar, caffeine, and are constantly stimulated by electronic devices.
Parents of today often turn to drugs as a first response to behavioral problems because traditional practices like spanking have become passé.
Traditional parenting, spanking, morality are out, drugs to control kids behavior are in - Health & Wellness - Catholic Online
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