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As the debate over medicating children continues to grow, FRONTLINE confronts psychiatrists, researchers and big pharma about the risks and benefits of prescription drugs for troubled children.
Ten years ago, stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall were the drugs
of choice to treat behavioral issues in children. Today children as
young as four years old are being prescribed more powerful
anti-psychotic medications that are much less understood. The drugs
can cause serious side effects, and virtually nothing is known
about their long-term impact. The increase in the use of
anti-psychotics is directly tied to the rising incidence of one
particular diagnosis - bipolar disorder. Experts estimate that the
number of kids with the diagnosis is now more than a million and
rising. As the debate over medicating children continues to grow,
FRONTLINE producer Marcela Gaviria confronts psychiatrists,
researchers and big pharma about the risks and benefits of
prescription drugs for troubled children.
