It’s believed that 8-16% of children and teens in the US take a psychiatric medication. How do you feel about that — especially if you’re the one who has to consent? Psychiatric meds for children and teens: we need to be informed. That’s why I’m sharing a very helpful free resource.
…Truth: concern about the use of psychiatric medications by children and teens will be sticking around for a while.
Introduction
My 10-year-old grandson has most recently been diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). The poor guy has struggled for darn near his entire life — as has his “at home” family.
Several years ago, because of the impact of his behavior (symptoms) on himself and others, my daughter consented to psychiatric (psychotropic) meds. It was an extremely difficult decision to make.
He currently takes two.
The status quo
I want to emphasize the importance of our subject matter. A concerning number of children and teens are prescribed psychiatric medications. And as the negative influences of social media, AI chatbots, social expectations, and more continue, the numbers are bound to increase..
Truth: concern about the use of psychiatric medications by children and teens will be sticking around for a while.
Extent of medication use in the US
For the sake of perspective, let’s review some status quo facts According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-quarter of the US population takes medications daily — two-thirds used prescription medications at least at some point during the past year.
As may be expected, the numbers increase for those aged 65 and older — as in 90%. But rates are also high among children and teens, with some 20% of them taking prescription medications. And, again, between 8 and 16% of children and adolescents in the U.S. take a mental health medication.
The Magellan Healthcare clinical monograph
A for-profit managed health care company that focuses on special populations and behavioral health services.
In 2013, Magellan Healthcare, the behavioral and specialty healthcare segment of Magellan Health, Inc., published Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Drugs in Children and Adolescents: A Clinical Monograph. To their credit they recognized changing times and published a revision in 2022.
The monograph is a direct response to the mental health crisis that continues to wreak havoc on children, teens, and families. It’s intended to serve as a resource for providers, clients, parents, and other stakeholders — assisting them with helpful information and decision-making support pertaining to behavioral health treatment options
The content of the 108-page monograph is comprehensive, detailed, and purposeful. For example, there’s a section titled “Research evidence for treatment efficacy of psychotherapeutic agents.” Numerous disorders are featured, including mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behavioral disorders/aggression.
You’ll find a link to the monograph at the end of the article. For the record, Chipur is not being compensated by Magellan Heslth.
The effects of psychotropic medication treatment on nervous system development
“…pregnant woman’s use of psychotropic drugs may cause minor or major malformations in the embryonic phase or effects on the fetus and breastfeeding infant.”
I’d like to highlight a couple of interesting portions of the section titled “The effects of psychotropic medication treatment on nervous system development.” My intent is to provide information and give you a feel for the content quality.
Pregnancy
As you may imagine, the long-term effects of psychotropic meds on a child’s physiological development are unknown. That, of course, means problems may occur.
It all starts with getting a psychotropic drug into a child’s body. And there are three ways that can happen…
- The child’s own use
- During the child’s gestation as a result of maternal psychiatric drug use
- During the child’s mother’s gestation as a result of maternal grandmother psychiatric drug use
So, a pregnant woman’s use of psychotropic drugs may cause minor or major malformations in the embryonic phase or effects on the fetus and breastfeeding infant. The child’s subsequent behavior, cognitive abilities, and/or emotional regulation may be negatively impacted.
As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings against the use of five drugs (listed in the monograph) during pregnancy.
The marked increase in trend of psychotropic pregnant women, children, and teens has led to heightened research within the field of developmental neuroscience.
Effects and insights
It’s critical to consider the dynamic effect of psychotropic drugs on the immature brain. Psychotropic agents can influence brain development whereby chronic drug exposure during sensitive periods can produce permanent alterations of the nervous system that can result in either beneficial or harmful delayed consequences.
Research suggests something known as “neuronal imprinting,” which presumes drug effects outlast exposure to the drug itself. It’s therefore theorized by neuroscientists that ongoing exposure to commonly used therapeutic agents during a sensitive period has the potential to either prevent or exacerbate symptoms later in life.
As a result, there’s speculation that future research will focus on development of novel therapeutic agents designed to challenge deficit states and reprogram development rather than attempt to merely treat them.
Be informed
Think about it — 8-16% of children and teens in the US take a psychiatric medication. And my money says the numbers will increase. That’s what we’re dealing with.
Keep in mind, we’re talking about substances for which the long-term effects are a mystery — so thank goodness the research and development wheels are turning. Still, ask questions and be informed, be informed be informed.
Here’s the Magellan clinical monograph: Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Drugs in Children and Adolescents
Please review the Chipur emotional and mental illness info and inspiration titles on the articles page — or by category below, right sidebar on desktop. We’ll both appreciate it.
After a decades-long wrestling match with emotional and mental illness, Bill finally found his professional and personal passion – life’s meaning. He wanted to lend a hand to those struggling as he did, so off he went to grad school at age 49 and earned his counseling credentials. He continues his service through Chipur and other projects.