Do you think adolescents should be prescribed psychiatric medications? Reasons why/why not.?
552828
In some rare cases, yes, otherwise no.  I think that doctors need to try all other methods of behavior modification before prescribing any mind altering substance, and even then, something that is tried and true that was studied to the hilt for any adverse effects.  There are so many meds prescribed these days people are becoming immune to them and diseases don't respond anymore to meds.  I know the psychiatric meds are different but when you alter the human mind, who knows what could happen.  As it is now serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressents such as Paxil now carry warnings about suicidal effects.  \n\nI think as a society we need to be more responsible for what we do, how we treat people, and take a look at ourselves.  In some extreme cases meds should be prescribed but years ago those meds didn't exist and people did ok except for the few extremes.  We need to focus more on counselling, support groups, self help, and family help for kids.  Parents need to be supportive and there for their kids not shove them off on teachers and babysitters to try to teach them appropriate human behaviorisms such as manners and responsiblity.  There's too much focus on "problem solving" why not focus on doing things the right way so there are no problems to solve?
297869
I totally resent this question! ADD and ADHD destroys peoples lives! I am a sufferer and without my  medication I would be out of control! My brother has ADHD and because of this he has not a single friend! His life is ruined! without his medicane he would be destoroyed! And he's only 9! I'm only 13 too for petes sake!  And don't call it speed! These medicanes are legal cause people like you ruin it by taking it for your own amusement! Beside you know perfectly well why Marijuana isn't legal! My Dad smokes and its worst enough! Would you like to lose someone to something 50 billions times worser than that? This question upsets me very much! Your making a resourcfull helpfull medicane into an amusing drug that could be taken away to people who really need it!
861233
ABSOLUTELY NOT! the meds these people take is to suppress their unpredictable behavior, they're still NUTS!
243914
personally I think unless you **must** take some medication, you should probably avoid it.  Why? Because no one really knows whats going to happen long term with these meds. Also, they don't seem all that effective in many studies..they often don't come out much better than placebo.
368729
Yes, duh.  Not everyone wants to live in a chemically-induced stupor their entire life.  Perscription drugs are the WORST way to fix a problem.  Not everyone agrees with me, but we all need options.  I opt to be treated naturally and wholistically, others may choose to take the short-cuts "traditional" doctors perscribe.
610933
Not all meds are chemically or physically addicting. Theres a stigma on mental health everybody thinks for some reason it can be fixed by god.. sooo don't worry about it.. if you are doing better that's all that matters. It's very likely someday you will no longer need medication.
672494
It isn't an illness in need of medication.\nIt isn't a disease in need of a cure.\nIt isn't a harmful behavior in need of correction.\nIt isn't "immoral," nor can it be so.
1035466
I don't think they ever give ECT to children. It's not cruel and inhumane like portrayed in old movies. Today people are put to sleep and given muscle relaxants. They don't feel it. Because of the stigma and improvements in drug therapy it's not used very often today. But apparently it's very effective for extreme or psychotic depression, intractable mania and catatonic schizophrenia when these disorders haven't responded to drugs.
118408
No. It's because they are mentally ill and without medication they probably can't help themselves.
242840
I think there's always been a high incidence of depression among teens.  Being a teenager is a really hard time.  Your body and your mind are still immature, and you're extremely restricted in your choices and ability to support yourself, but you have this sense of wanting to break away and develop as your own person.  This feeling along with the hormones that rage out of control during hormones manifest themselves as a lot of frustration and depression.\n\nBut we're starting to hear a lot more about clinical depression now.  Before, parents used to just assume their children were in a nasty mood or they had a bad attitude.  But now that it's been proven that clinical depression is a chemical imbalance and not just a bad attitude, parents much more inclined to seek medical attention for their children than to tell them to just suck it up for fear that something tragic may happen.\n\nIt does get easier though, so stick it out.  I'd give better advice if I knew what you were depressed about (hint hint)
771982
what you need more is the opinion of a psychiatrist with these drugs, good luck
522264
I do think this world is becoming pill dependent.  I think, in some cases, medication is necessary, but I also think that doctor's are too quick to prescribe a pill for an ailment.  When my mother was murdered, I was obviously distraught...my primary doctor tried to get me on Effexor.  I didn't take it, and worked my issues out with a psychologist, a doctor who CANNOT prescribe medication.  Also, the whole ADHD and ADD in kids kind of bothers me.  Again, some of those children probably need the medication, but I think parents may be looking for a quick fix for there bored child.  That's just my opinion though.\n\nOh, and I'm not on any medications.
334970
Seems to me psychotherapy is going out of fashion as the drug companies become ever more powerful and steer western medicine on the path of pharmaceuticals rather than the much more healing approach of figuring out the basis for unwanted behaviors and then working toward changing them. Perhaps you could explore this theme. I mean, really....all these kids on psyche drugs? That can't be good....
875962
Why don't you want to see a psychiatrist?  There are medications that can help your problem.
751129
Both might be helpful.  I'd start with a psychologist and see if that helps, but if you are diagnosed as depressed, both would really maximize the benefits.  PLEASE do not feel like only very mentally ill people need medications.  Plenty of well-functioning people become anxious or depressed, and feel better with some medication.  Don't be ashamed, a lot more people are unhappy than you think-it's just not something that people generally talk about with one another!!
1094962
The only valid reason for any prescribed medicine would be a serious impairement.  Otherwise, all medication should be weaned down and eliminated.  We are made to be healthy.  We are not made to be sick.  With reasonable eating and exercise, most of us can handle daily life pretty well.
769777
A psychiatrist can prescribe medicine; a therapist cannot. So "venting" would be better sutied to a therapist.  If psychotropic drugs were needed, the therapist would refer the patient to a psychiatrist,