Story at a glance:
Rates of mental illness in children are rising rapidly, with psychotropic drugs being the conventional solution. The documentary “Kids on Pills” examines treatment options and the long-term impacts of medicating children.
U.S. doctors are more likely to diagnose children with conditions like bipolar disorder and prescribe multiple medications, while European doctors tend to be more conservative in their approach.
Children in the U.S. often receive cocktails of powerful psychotropic drugs that have numerous side effects and health risks, with minimal evidence of benefit in many cases.
The long-term effects of polypharmacy in children remain unclear. Some experts warn these drugs alter brain development when prescribed at young ages, causing lasting changes.
Alternative therapies like occupational therapy and family-based interventions are encouraged. As parents, you must advocate for your children and consider nondrug approaches to address behavioral issues.