Can giving a small child meds like Ritilin, Prozak etc cause brain damage like Mental Retardation, learning disabilities, etc.
Also if you know of any recourses to resurch this please tell.
2006-09-08 07:20:38 · 5 answers · asked by a_poor_misguided_soul 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I personally know many people who took ritalin as children, who grew up just fine. One of them is a doctor who graduated from Stanford.
2006-09-08 07:28:17 · answer #1 · answered by Terisu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the child actually needs the drugs, it can prevent damage from occuring. People who have depressive, panic or psychotic disorders, or ADHD, show stunted growth and cell reduction in the effected parts of the brain. Using the proper drug has been shown to visibly reverse much of the damage done, if introduced in time. If there is no disorder, the drugs will only do harm.
I was in juvenile placement when I was younger, and I suffered from a major depressive disorder. Because I started therapy so early, I actually had a chance to reverse the harm done to my brain and continue growing like a normal kid. I was med-free and happy after that for ten years. I started taking anti-depressants again once I became an adult, after my body chemistry changed, but I had less trouble to deal with then because of the early intervention before.
2006-09-08 14:27:38 · answer #2 · answered by Em 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had to laugh...sadly!....when I read that "doctors wouldn't prescribe" [drugs] if they caused" side effects! Of COURSE they do! Doctors are at the mercy of relentless drug salesmen, who woo with incentives (trips to the Caribbean) them into prescribing the latest drug, usually one to which no one knows what the long-term side effects will be!
Only the most responsible, dedicated docs stay current on what the Pharmaceutical companies are cooking up! The latter even invent diseases, like "social anxiety" (we call it SHYNESS!) so they can sell more anti-depressants!
It's been recognized for years that kids are over-prescribed on Ritalin and other drugs. First, have your kid tested (I did, as he wasn't doing well in school - turns out most of the teachers are idiots! I'm a teacher, so I can tell when someone isn't getting through to a child). Anyway, my kid is fine...he just needs better motivation and less time on the computer!!!
That being said, some kids really DO need Rx drugs, but be very careful--their brains are still developing!
2006-09-08 14:46:59 · answer #3 · answered by Gwynneth Of Olwen 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I doubt it. I have worked with people who are mentally handicapped. They became that way either by birth or an accident (usually head injuries). If Ritalin or Prozac caused brain damage or mental retardation doctors wouldn't prescribe it to children. Ritalin is usually prescribed for behaviors and prozac for depression.
2006-09-08 14:32:43 · answer #4 · answered by kim_in_craig 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor would be the best person to ask. I know a website that you might find some answers. www.webmd.com. Good luck.
2006-09-08 14:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by shirley e 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋