Rising mental illness in children: Are medications the answer or adding to the crisis?

The rates of mental illness in children have surged dramatically, raising concerns about the widespread use of psychotropic drugs as a primary solution.

In the U.S., it is becoming increasingly common for children to be prescribed multiple medications, often before the age of six, to manage conditions such as bipolar disorder and ADHD.

However, the long-term effects of this approach remain deeply uncertain, with experts questioning whether these treatments are exacerbating the problem rather than solving it.

The 2022 documentary “Kids on Pills: Happiness Out of a Bottle”, directed by Stefanie Schmidt and Lilian Franck, dives into the controversial world of medicating children for mental health disorders.

The film highlights how the treatment of children in the U.S. differs significantly from practices in Europe, where doctors are more conservative with medications and tend to prioritize alternative therapies.

At the heart of the film is a troubling statistic: the rate of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the U.S. has increased by 4,000%. In Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital, young patients, like siblings Anna and Will Birtwell, are diagnosed with bipolar disorder at only 9 and 6 years old, sparking debates about over-diagnosis.

Their mother recounts the erratic mood swings and extreme emotional states that led to their diagnosis. But while American doctors may rush to prescribe powerful drugs, European psychiatrists, like Dr. Martin Holtman, often take a different approach. Holtman argues that these same behaviors might only warrant a diagnosis of ADHD in Europe, where treatment involves fewer medications and more behavioral interventions.

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The use of multiple medications, known as polypharmacy, is increasingly prevalent among American children. A study from the Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly 70% of pediatric patients had experienced polypharmacy, often with little benefit and a significant risk of side effects.

Jaylene Quijada, another young patient profiled in the documentary, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of three and has been through a cycle of medications prescribed by her psychiatrist, Dr. Robert Doyle. Jaylene’s mother describes the trial-and-error process, during which Jaylene was given drugs like lithium, known for severe side effects, yet found little relief.

The documentary also highlights how European doctors remain cautious about long-term medication use in children. Dr. Bruno Müller-Oerlinghausen, a German psychopharmacologist, warns that these medications can lead to sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and impaired brain development, particularly when prescribed to young, developing minds.

Experts across the Atlantic call for greater emphasis on non-drug treatments, such as occupational therapy and parent-child relationship building. In Europe, children diagnosed with ADHD often engage in therapeutic programs that focus on traditional values and coping mechanisms.

Yet, even here, the lure of medication is growing, with some parents opting to medicate their children as they approach school age.

While pharmaceutical companies have heavily influenced treatment approaches, particularly in the U.S., where some doctors receive significant funding from these corporations, the long-term impact on children’s health remains uncertain.

With millions of children worldwide now taking psychotropic drugs, including many medications not approved for pediatric use, experts like Dr. John Abramson argue that Big Pharma’s influence on treatment protocols prioritizes profit over patient well-being.

The documentary ultimately raises a critical question: Are we setting our children up for a lifetime of dependency on medications, or can a more balanced, holistic approach offer better long-term outcomes? As research into the impact of these drugs continues, parents are urged to advocate for their children and seek alternative treatments that address underlying issues like diet, environmental toxins, and emotional well-being.