Our free newsletter
offers tips and tools
you need to create
a happier and
healthier family!

Categories


All Articles
CALL: (888) 972-7736

Experts warn of over-medicating mentally ill teens

By Staff Writer

Many adolescents are prescribed medication to cope with the stress of school and family life, but new research suggests that teenagers who are living at mental health facilities are being administered too many drugs to treat their conditions.

A new paper published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal written by child psychologist Alexander Scharko examined 200 cases of individuals who were admitted to a mental health facility in Madison, Wisconsin. The instances involved boys between the ages of 9 and 17, according to Milwaukee Magazine. Upon arriving at the institution, patients were administered between two and three different medications. When they were discharged, most individuals were prescribed between one and two drugs.

Scharko found that many of the teens who were admitted to the facility had behavioral problems. Ironically, some of the adverse side effects of the medications prescribed at the institution include extreme changes in behavior. Scharko also notes that psychiatric drugs have been administered by more pediatrics in recent years.

Approximately 26 million Americans age 18 or older suffer from a mental disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Addressing the condition at an early age at a rehabilitation facility or with a primary care provider can help manage the illness over time.

Share |