Bipolar disorder

...ba href=/bipolar disorder/a/b, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.) and, therefore, eligible for the possibility of even more medications." Thus, an ADHD diagnosis marks the beginning of a nightmare for many kids.

Sandra Lucas appeared at the hearing and testified on behalf of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a psychiatric watchdog group.

Ms.

Lucas told the audience, “We do know that the side effects of the stimulants are not only present, they are extremely serious and sometimes lethal.

“So, while the FDA ponders the problem of studying the issue and conducting the studies that may have inherent flaws,” she said, “what real, immediate protections are to be put in place for parents and children?

“If anyone proposed to study the issue of giving cocaine to children to suppress symptoms of inattention, that individual would be regarded as off his rocker,” Ms.

Lucas said.

“Yet,” she continued, “there is already ample evidence that stimulant drugs given to children are similar in their effects to cocaine, the major difference being, of course, that cocaine is illegal, that drug companies do not profit from it, while stimulants are legal and highly profitable.” Ms.

Lucas also noted the conflicts of interest between several members of the panels that were exposed.

“In fact,” she said, “I can think of one member from previous committees who was so beholden to the drug companies that one might liken his presence at any hearings to inviting Osam bin Laden to a national security meeting.” Af...

...ba href=/bipolar disorder/a/b, antidepressants may add to agitation and possibly to suicidal behaviors.If side effects from any treatment make you feel worse, speak up early.

Changing doses or medications quickly corrects the problem.The FDA data on antidepressants is lightweight, but the data on the dangers of depression is rock solid.

Watch that rock.Lawson Wulsin, M.D., is a professor of psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Cincinnati.

Send questions to ahaas@enquirer.com.

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...ba href=/bipolar disorder/a/b, and the 9-year-old dealing with depression and anxiety, the single mother now says medication and counseling have turned their lives around.The mother, who did not want her name used, spoke last week from Halifax Behavioral Services where her two daughters and their 15-year-old sister are in therapy.

The oldest is not on medication."I think in certain cases (medication) is a very good thing, but as a parent you have to really do research and work with the professional to try everything and leave medication as a last resort," she said.Legislation being proposed this session is sparking a debate about the use of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs in children and possible side effects such as thoughts of suicide.Scientologists, including some celebrities such as Kirstie Alley and Kelly Preston, and parent and juvenile groups are pushing for schools to disclose information to parents prior to children being evaluated for emotional or behavioral problems or learning disabilities.Parents would have to sign a form that outlines potential consequences of an evaluation.

Consequences could include their child being diagnosed with a mental disorder and being prescribed psychiatric medication such as antidepressants.Opponents say the five-page form will scare parents from seeking treatment for their child while supporters say the bill simply arms parents with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision.That knowledge also includes telling parents that...