Posted: July 4th, 2022

Medicating Children for Behavioral Issues

Medicating Children for Behavioral Issues: An Updated Perspective
Behavioral issues in children and teenagers are often linked to underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions can make it difficult for a child to focus appropriately, regulate their emotions and behavior, and function effectively at home or school. Witnessing their child struggle with a behavioral or mental health disorder is understandably distressing for parents. Determining the most appropriate treatment approach can also be challenging.
Traditionally, the main treatment options for childhood behavioral issues have involved psychotherapy and medication management. In recent decades, there has been an increasing trend toward treating pediatric behavioral disorders pharmacologically (Cooper et al., 2016). While medications can be highly effective for many children, especially those with more complex or treatment-resistant conditions, it is important that parents make informed decisions regarding risks and benefits.
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall) are currently the most commonly prescribed class of drugs for pediatric ADHD (Visser et al., 2014). When used appropriately under medical supervision, stimulants have been shown to effectively reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in over 80% of children diagnosed with ADHD (Cortese et al., 2018). By helping children better focus and regulate their behavior, stimulants can improve academic performance and social functioning.
However, stimulants and other psychiatric medications also carry potential side effects that parents should discuss carefully with their child’s physician. Common temporary side effects may include decreased appetite, sleep problems, irritability, and mild stomach upset (Cortese et al., 2018). In rare cases, more serious side effects like growth suppression, tics, or increased blood pressure are possible (Visser et al., 2014). Careful medication monitoring and follow-up are important to minimize risks.
For less severe behavioral issues or anxiety disorders, non-pharmacological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be tried first before considering medications (James et al., 2018). Psychotropic drugs should generally only be used as a last resort for pre-teen children and only after thorough Assessment and discussion of risks versus benefits (Cooper et al., 2016). Parental concerns about long-term effects of early medication use on a child’s development are valid and should be addressed by the treating clinician.
In summary, while psychiatric medications remain a highly effective treatment option for many pediatric behavioral disorders, especially more complex cases, medication decisions require careful consideration and oversight. Parents play a key role in treatment by educating themselves, openly communicating with their child’s doctor, closely monitoring any prescribed medications, and advocating for their child’s well-being (Cooper et al., 2016). An individualized approach that considers a child’s specific needs, symptoms, and the family context will lead to the most positive outcomes.
James, A. C., James, G., Cowdrey, F. A., Soler, A., & Choke, A. (2018). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 6(6), CD004690. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004690.pub4
Cooper, W. O., Hickson, G. B., Fuchs, C., Arbogast, P. G., & Ray, W. A. (2016). New Users of Antipsychotic Medications Among Children Enrolled in TennCare. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 170(1), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.3029. research paper writing help.
Cortese, S., Adamo, N., Del Giovane, C., Mohr-Jensen, C., Hayes, A. J., Carucci, S., Atkinson, L. Z., Tessari, L., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., Hollis, C., Simonoff, E., Zuddas, A., Barbui, C., Purgato, M., Steinhausen, H. C., & Cipriani, A. (2018). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4
Visser, S. N., Danielson, M. L., Bitsko, R. H., Holbrook, J. R., Kogan, M. D., Ghandour, R. M., Perou, R., & Blumberg, S. J. (2014). Trends in the parent-report of health care provider-diagnosed and medicated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: United States, 2003-2011. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(1), 34–46.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.09.001

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