Psychiatric Medicationand minors
Madison Jennings
benefits of medication
alleviation of symptoms
temporary fix
aides in conjunction with therapy
issues with medication
non-autonomous
lack of research
can cause a dependency
Lack of Autonomy
under 18
can not legally control their medication
doctors must rely on the parents
lack of research
not enough scientific evidence
medication can lead to suicide
can increase certain symptoms in minors
zoloft, risperidal
Dependency
increased risk of dependency
depression, anxiety
“gate way” medications
hormonal adaptionshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001522.htm
What is normal?
over zealous parents
kids will be kids
An under developed brain
amygdala development occurs at 25
can alter bodies natural chemistry
Treating the problem
medication .vs. therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
http://www.wellcorps.com/files/ChildrenAdolescentsandPsychotropicMedications.pdf
Slippery slope
teaching children prescription vs. drugs
early self medicating
who decides whats okay
Social Implications
stigma
institutions
Schools and Medications
side effects
excess doctor appointments
natural remedies
safer alternative
treat a variety of conditions
st. johns wort
Summary
children learn from parents
therapy is required
natural remedies do exist