1 in 13 children taking psychiatric meds in US

[missmuffet]

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/04/25/1-in-13-children-taking-psychiatric-medication-in-us/?intcmp=obnetwork

 

A new government survey has found that approximately 1 out of every 13 children is taking at least one medication for emotional or behavioral problems, HealthDay News reported.

Overall, many parents believe the drugs are working, with 55 percent of parents reporting that these psychiatric medications are helping their children. Only 26 percent of parents said the drugs helped “some,” while 19 percent of parents said the drugs didn’t help at all.

"We can't advise parents on what they should do, but I think it's positive that over half of parents reported that medications helped 'a lot,' " said report author LaJeana Howie, a statistical research scientist at the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.

The researchers utilized data from the National Health Interview Survey, which has monitored the health of the population since 1957. All of the data gathered came from parental or guardian responses to questionnaires; no medical records were used for the study.

They found that 7.5 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 17 were taking psychiatric medication in the United States. Additionally, many more boys than girls were found to be on these types of drugs: 9.7 percent of boys compared to 5.2 percent of girls.

The study authors did not include information on the specific medications being used nor the exact disorders for which the children were being treated. However, they noted that 81 percent of the children on medication had been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at some point.

Furthermore, significantly more children on Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program – 9.9 percent – were taking drugs for behavioral problems, as opposed to 6.7 percent of children with private insurance. Only 2.7 percent of children without insurance were taking these types of drugs.

"Over the past two decades, the use of medication to treat mental health problems has increased substantially among all school-aged children and in most subgroups of children," the researchers wrote in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. "Data collected by national health surveys play a key role in monitoring and understanding the factors associated with the expanded use of medication for the emotional and behavioral problems of children."

[other one]

Seems to me that we've traded spatting them on the butt for pills......    That's about the same as used to get paddlings at school when I was young.

[missmuffet]

Seems to me that we've traded spatting them on the butt for pills......    That's about the same as used to get paddlings at school when I was young.

I am sure there is a difference.But I am wondering why their are so many psych. meds handed out.I do know the danger if parents ignoring the danger signals in kids when there are serious issues.Just read the news.But I am wondering if people are over reacting.There are serious side effects to these meds.

[OakWood]

Seems to me that we've traded spatting them on the butt for pills......    That's about the same as used to get paddlings at school when I was young.

 

Spare the rod and spoil the child.

[missmuffet]

There is a difference in a discipline problem and a true mental illness.It is dangerous to get the two confused.

[ayin jade]

Schools want problem children dealt with because they can no longer fail them. So they recommend parents take them to docs for meds. Parents demand meds from docs, who do not have a lot of time to spend with the patients due to pressures from insurance to keep health care costs down (their reimbursements/payments are very low). Parents do not have a lot of time to deal with problem children now either. And to be honest, I think because of societal pressures, kids today may be more likely to genuinely need meds. When I was young, our days were not filled with constant activity (after school regimented activities). We had time to just be kids. Although I think there is too much unnecessary prescribing.

[Willa]

Our grandson is on meds for a tic which had made it difficult for him to study.

A friend's daughter was on meds for ADD when she was actually bi-polar. Her biological parents abused drugs and alcohol. A lot of genetic damage is done by this today.

One kid was put on ADHD drugs when he was normal. His mom was sick and couldn't watch him so she claimed he was hyperactive. Another kid was unsupervised by mom and abused by dad. They kept him in a fog on drugs, too.

I only remember one kid who was hyper when I was growing up. Most of the kids in my class were poor but most could hold still and concentrate on their work. However, several of us were dyslexic.

Some kids can't concentrate due to severe family problems, abuse or splits, some because they are being bullied and threatened at school by staff or students. Even constant disapproval can make it hard to achieve. No one should have to earn their parents' love or protection. And a pill is not a cure all.

A huge problem today is a lack of supervision, and requirement to do supervised chores and homework. Many are latch key kids who are just bored or entertained by TV and electronic games. No creativity.

It is true that kids need to be trained in the way they should go in the same way as God trains us. He sets clear limits. He rewards and blesses us for good behavior, encourages us, then warns us and teaches us so that we can learn from the mistakes of others; occasionally He disciplines us when we are rebellious toward authority, and disrespectful to Him, others and their property.. Most of all He is consistant and constantly watches over us so we know He is fair and that He loves us.

[missmuffet]

I have two grandchildren who have had ADHD but their parents decided not to put them on meds.It is very difficult to raise these children.Their are risks to those meds.There have been high school kids who have taken their lives and could have possibly been saved had their parents recognized the problems.

[coheir]

Some times it may be the food a child eats, depending what is in the food. 

i do not trust the FDA 100%. I feel sure someone some where has let certain things get

approved that should not be.  synthetic chemicals should be avoided, or at least cut down 

to minimum intake.

below taken from wikipedia

Current regulation

While naturally derived colors are not required to be certified by a number of regulatory bodies throughout the world (including the FDA), they still need to be approved for use in that country. The FDA lists "color additives exempt from certification" for food in subpart A of the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 21 Part 73. However, this list contains substances which may have synthetic origins, such as nature identical beta-carotene. FDA's permitted colors are classified as subject to certification or exempt from certification, both of which are subject to rigorous safety standards prior to their approval and listing for use in foods.

• Certified colors are synthetically produced and are used widely because they impart an intense, uniform color, are less expensive, and blend more easily to create a variety of hues. There are nine certified color additives approved for use in the United States. Certified food colors generally do not add undesirable flavors to foods.

[coheir]

 

Some times it may be the food a child eats, depending what is in the food. 

i do not trust the FDA 100%. I feel sure someone some where has let certain things get

approved that should not be.  synthetic chemicals should be avoided, or at least cut down 

to minimum intake.

below taken from wikipedia

Current regulation

While naturally derived colors are not required to be certified by a number of regulatory bodies throughout the world (including the FDA), they still need to be approved for use in that country. The FDA lists "color additives exempt from certification" for food in subpart A of the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 21 Part 73. However, this list contains substances which may have synthetic origins, such as nature identical beta-carotene. FDA's permitted colors are classified as subject to certification or exempt from certification, both of which are subject to rigorous safety standards prior to their approval and listing for use in foods.

• Certified colors are synthetically produced and are used widely because they impart an intense, uniform color, are less expensive, and blend more easily to create a variety of hues. There are nine certified color additives approved for use in the United States. Certified food colors generally do not add undesirable flavors to foods.

One could look here also.

http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/adhd/9-food-additives-that-may-affect-adhd-1?pageart=2