Evaluate The Risks And Benefits Of Using Psychoactive 350307

Evaluate The Risk And Benefits Of Using Psychoactive Drugs In Children

Evaluate the risk and benefits of using psychoactive drugs in children correctly diagnosed with a disorder versus those incorrectly diagnosed with a disorder. As with the use of any psychoactive drug, there are risks and benefits. Although psychoactive drugs are not the number one choice for use amongst children, there may be times when medication should be prescribed. For example, when non-medical interventions are implemented and do not produce the desired effects, then the use of medications may be an option. According to Advokat, Comaty and Julien (2014), especially in young children, pharmacological interventions are typically implemented when functional impairments are present along with symptoms that are moderate to severe, and the risk of using the medication must be examined (p. 515). Clinicians should follow proper protocol for assessing and diagnosing disorders. Advokat, Comaty, and Julien (2014) suggest a four-step process: begin diagnosing using an appropriate assessment, making a diagnosis, creating and implementing a treatment plan without pharmaceuticals, and finally evaluating the use of pharmaceutical treatment as a last resort (p. 515). Correct diagnosing is important in order to increase the likelihood of the medication to have a positive effect.

If the diagnosis is incorrectly made, then the implemented treatment plan may not be beneficial. Prescribing psychoactive drugs when needed may cause necessary brain changes and produce desired outcomes, but may also cause negative effects such as cognitive impairments. Thus, an accurate diagnosis is essential to understand the desired outcomes when prescribing psychoactive drugs in children. The risks and benefits of not treating a child because he or she is not correctly diagnosed must also be considered. Although some medications prescribed do not cure the disorder, they may help by reducing symptoms and behaviors associated with the disorder.

For example, when prescribing medication for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the disorder will not be cured, but medication may assist with various behavioral symptoms and impairments that disrupt daily functioning (Advokat, Comaty, and Julien, 2014, p. 520). Left untreated, disorders may significantly impact development and functioning in daily life. Disorders related to aggression and negative behaviors, if untreated, may escalate and endanger both the individual and others. Similarly, untreated depression can worsen and potentially lead to suicidal ideation or behaviors.

In the case of ADHD, symptoms vary widely among individuals, underscoring the importance of an accurate assessment and diagnosis. Incorrect diagnosis and prescribing unnecessary medication may result in adverse effects and no improvement. Overmedication, undermedication, or lack of treatment can cause lasting and potentially irreversible damage. Continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure that treatment benefits are realized and adverse effects minimized. The risk-benefit analysis must be integral to treatment planning, especially since childhood mental health diagnoses are sometimes over- or under-diagnosed.

Untreated or misdiagnosed mental illnesses can cause significant harm, especially to brain development and emotional, social, and academic functioning. For example, untreated ADHD may result in persistent attention and behavior issues, impairing development (Advokat, Comaty, and Julien, 2014, p. 507). The natural course of each disorder varies, but early and accurate intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Medications like stimulants for ADHD or antipsychotics for bipolar disorder exert their effects by modulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. In bipolar disorder, second-generation antipsychotics help stabilize dopamine levels, alleviating hallucinations and delusions while reducing other symptoms (Zarate & Manji, 2008).

The pharmacological impact on neurotransmitter systems influences both short-term and long-term effects. For bipolar disorder, short-term side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, tremors, tardive dyskinesia, and sexual dysfunction (Berk et al., 2017). Despite these adverse effects, medications can improve quality of life by reducing psychosis symptoms and suicidal ideation. Since bipolar disorder is typically a chronic condition, ongoing medication treatment is often necessary, with careful evaluation of risks versus benefits. Discontinuing medication without medical consultation may lead to relapse or worsening symptoms.

Ethically, clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits, especially considering the child's growth and development. Psychotropic medications can interfere with physical and neurological maturation, necessitating careful assessment and follow-up (Vitiello, 2001). The potential for side effects must be balanced against the risks of leaving the disorder untreated, which can lead to social and academic difficulties, emotional disturbances, and increased risk of harm or suicide. Treating children with mental health disorders with medications should always be part of a comprehensive approach that includes psychosocial interventions.

Conclusion

The decision to prescribe psychoactive drugs to children requires meticulous assessment, accurate diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and ethical consideration of risks and benefits. Properly prescribed and monitored medication can alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and prevent long-term adverse outcomes. Conversely, misdiagnosis or inappropriate medication use may cause lasting harm. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach combining pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, guided by evidence-based protocols, is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes in pediatric mental health care.

References

• Advokat, C., Comaty, J., & Julien, S. (2014). Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior. Cengage Learning.
• Berk, M., M. Berk, et al. (2017). "Second-generation antipsychotics in bipolar disorder: Efficacy, safety, and role in treatment." The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(4), 315-326.
• Zarate, C. A., Jr., & Manji, H. K. (2008). "Molecular pathways of bipolar disorder and the potential for novel pharmacological treatment." Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 31(2), 205-210.
• Vitiello, B. (2001). "The effects of psychotropic medications on child development." Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 11(Suppl 1), S1–S4.
• Berk, M., et al. (2017). "The impact of bipolar disorder treatments on cognitive functioning." Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 136(2), 101-122.
• Vitiello, B. (2001). "The effects of psychotropic medications on child development." Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 11(Suppl 1), S1–S4.
• Zarate, C. A., Jr., & Manji, H. K. (2008). "Molecular pathways of bipolar disorder and the potential for novel pharmacological treatment." Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 31(2), 205-210.
• Berk, M., M. Berk, et al. (2017). "Second-generation antipsychotics in bipolar disorder: Efficacy, safety, and role in treatment." The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(4), 315-326.
• Advokat, C., Comaty, J., & Julien, S. (2014). Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior. Cengage Learning.
• Vitiello, B. (2001). "The effects of psychotropic medications on child development." Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 11(Suppl 1), S1–S4.