Do you think adolescents should be prescribed psychiatric medications? Reasons why/why not.?

In some rare cases, yes, otherwise no. I think that doctors need to try all other methods of behavior modification before prescribing any mind altering substance, and even then, something that is tried and true that was studied to the hilt for any adverse effects. There are so many meds prescribed these days people are becoming immune to them and diseases don't respond anymore to meds. I know the psychiatric meds are different but when you alter the human mind, who knows what could happen. As it is now serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressents such as Paxil now carry warnings about suicidal effects.

I think as a society we need to be more responsible for what we do, how we treat people, and take a look at ourselves. In some extreme cases meds should be prescribed but years ago those meds didn't exist and people did ok except for the few extremes. We need to focus more on counselling, support groups, self help, and family help for kids. Parents need to be supportive and there for their kids not shove them off on teachers and babysitters to try to teach them appropriate human behaviorisms such as manners and responsiblity. There's too much focus on "problem solving" why not focus on doing things the right way so there are no problems to solve?

Some of them might genuinely need them, so I can't say categorically "no", but I think drugs in general are way over prescribed. Especially ones like Ritalin. Some drugs I think aren't actually helping the patient, they are prescribed to make that person more manageable for the people around them. They aren't doing the patient any good really other than altering them into a more socially acceptable version of themselves. Not everyone is wired the same, we shouldn't all be expected to be the same.

Psychiatric meds? Yes, if they are properly diagnosed by a trained psychiatrist, and a determination has been made.

Anti-depressants, or anti-ADHD meds should be avoided at all costs since they are highly over-prescribed by well-meaning, but underqualified pediatricians and family practice doctors.

Not unless absolutely necessary, as in no other alternative and the kid is about to kill someone. Last resort. I am 26 and was prescribed EffexorCR. I went off the deep end, and ended up throwing the Christmas tree out the front door, angel and all.

I have first hand at this.....One year ago my 7 year old daughter was diagnosed with severe ADHD as has been on two meds since then.....My pediatrician sent us to a psychologist to have a psychiatric evaluation done and found out it was mush more than that and that she was not on the proper meds....Without meds my daughter could very well be a danger to herself and others.....do I like her being on them NO i don't....do I have a choice the answer is NO to that to.

only the ones who REALLY need them! the kids i work with are on 5-6 (sometimes more) different types of psychotropic meds each! they get evaluated AT LEAST 2 times a month to see if the meds are right or if there needs to be a change.

lol...yeah, some of them do need "shock treatments" to make them behave!!!

* its a joke people- i know some of you are sitting there like "OMG, did she just say to shock them??!!"

it depends..I've seen a few that were off their rocker. it all depends on the actions. sometimes counseling may do the trick, a good *** whooping, and maybe even medications.

No its bad enough they have to deal with growing pains.

no, i think we can directly give electric shocks , so that they will be silent.