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Hello,
I am a social work student and will be finishing up my master's degree next year. First, I want to say that I am by no means anti-med. Still, the latest ethical breaches in the research community have me concerned. The suppression of study 15 regarding seroquel is an example, and the claim that one of the major drug companies had "ghostwriters" promote certain medications in a "study" in a prominent medical journal is truly frightening. I agree with you that extrapolated data is problematic, and from what little I know of research protocol, often quite suspect. Still, it is hard to get a large enough sample of adolescents and children to participate in studies because of ethical concerns. Therapeutic interventions are quite effective for some, and some also need the support of medications. I have not read or seen convincing evidence that medication without therapy is preferable to anyone other than an insurance companies... because 15 minutes monthly is cheaper than 50 minutes weekly plus 15 minutes monthly. I agree that it is best to have a psychiatrist handle the medication, because that is their area of expertise.
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Yes this seems to be a hot topic in the mental health community. I will have to tell my blogger friends about your article. I am sure we could get some good discussion going.
I don't know what to think really.
I was never one to be biased towards the use of antidepressants for children and teens. But my youngest son is thirteen and is taking Prozac now. For us it has been a lifesaver. But some parents are vehemently against the use of any of these medications for children and teens. So I tend to look at multiple perspectives on this issue.
Thank you for writing such an informative article Teri! I hope others chime in with their thoughts and experiences.
Merely Me,
Thanks, and you're welcome! I'd love to see some discussion here. I have mixed feelings about it, and sometimes discussions can be helpful in figuring out issues.
Teri