The Alarming Increase of Anti-psychotic Med Use Among Children

New studies that are being released by Columbia University researchers show that the number of children being medicated with antipsychotics has increased 6 times since the beginning of the 90's. Research shows that most children being treated with these drugs were diagnosed with disruptive behavioral or mood disorders.

Psychiatric medications can be very effective in treating children when prescribed by an appropriate and experienced psychiatrist. Before making a diagnosis, children are put through a series of testing to properly pinpoint the cause of disruption. Certified psychiatrists then match your child's conditions with a medication that will perform at its optimal potential for alleviating your child from their symptoms. With so many medications readily available on today's market, your child's psychiatrist is able to correctly prescribe a medication that is suitable for your child. As with any medication that adolescents and children are prescribed, make sure to talk to your psychiatrist about any side effects that the medication may have, along with being informed about the FDA warnings that accompany it.

Below are the most common medications used to treat children with various psychiatric disorders. Be sure to review any diagnosis of your child fully so that you may better understand your child's needs for coping with his disorder.

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat muscle twitches, verbal outbursts, delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Medications most commonly prescribed are Thorazine, Mellaril, Prolixin, Stelazine, Navane, and Haldol. A second generation form of these medications include Clozaril, Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Geodon, and Abilify. These drugs are occasionally used to treat severe anxiety and aggressive behavior.