With a 40-fold increase in bipolar diagnosis for children and adolescents over the last decade, I have to ask what percentage of these kids are really bipolar.
The experts claim to be more aware than they were in the 1990’s of bipolar disorder in children. Others say there is more pressure to prescribe drugs. Either way, the statistics are troubling.
“The label also gives doctors and desperate parents a quick way to try to manage children’s rages and outbursts in an era when long-term psychotherapy and hospital care are less accessible, they say.
In addition, drug makers and company-sponsored psychiatrists have been encouraging doctors to look for the disorder since several drugs were approved to treat it in adults. ” read more
I have to ask the question, could the children just be immature at best or ADHD at worst? What would happen if doctors and families worked together with diet therapies before resorting to drugs that would surely shorten the life-span of the child? Also, if it is found that the medications are definitely needed, what is being done to wean the child off of the drugs as their condition improves. … And finally, does their condition improve?
I don’t pretend to be any kind of expert in the field of child psychology. I have observed a couple of children grow up on anti psychotic drugs however. While the child may be become a little easier to deal with, I feel like the long term effect were heart problems, and the need for stronger drugs.
I just think that before a parent throws up their hands and accepts anything the psychologist says, that they need to ask these questions and more to make sure they are doing the best thing for the child.
~If you liked this you should also read my other posts at the home blog, the homeschooling blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.
Little Girl on the Edge – Childhood Bipolar Disorder
“I’ve Given my Child The Family Illness!” (1)
“I’ve Given my Child the Family Illness!” (2)
The Parental Blame Game in Mental Illness