Children’s mental health problems are increasing. Many kids are given psychotropic drugs to help them feel better. However, this may not be the best way to help. The 2022 documentary “Kids on Pills: Happiness Out of a Bottle” looks at how children are treated in the U.S. and Europe. It questions the use of these strong medications.
The film shows that in the U.S., kids are often diagnosed quickly and given many drugs at once. This is called polypharmacy. For example, one girl named Jaylene was given several different medications, but they didn’t help. Another child, Anna, struggled with mood swings despite taking a new medicine.
These medications can cause side effects, like weight gain and sleep problems. They may not even work well. Studies show that using multiple drugs often leads to more issues, not fewer.
Doctors in Europe are more careful. They often recommend therapy instead of many medications. Parents are encouraged to look for non-drug options first. It’s important to be cautious and advocate for better treatment for children’s mental health.
Vocabulary List:
Psychotropic /ˌsaɪ.kroʊˈtrɒp.ɪk/ (adjective): Referring to drugs that affect the mind or behavior.
Polypharmacy /ˌpɒl.iˈfɑːr.mə.si/ (noun): The simultaneous use of multiple medications by a patient.
Therapy /ˈθer.ə.pi/ (noun): Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
Side effects /ˈsaɪd ɪˌfɛkts/ (noun): Secondary typically undesirable effects of a drug or treatment.
Advocate /ˈæd.və.keɪt/ (verb): To support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
Cautious /ˈkɔːʃəs/ (adjective): Careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.
