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Basic InformationMore InformationLatest News1 in 5 U.S. Kids Has a Mental Health Disorder: CDCKids With Autism May Perceive Movement More QuicklyMore Kids Diagnosed With Mental Health Disabilities, Study FindsBrain Differences Seen in Kids With Conduct ProblemsGirls With Autism May Need Different Treatments Than BoysNewborn's Placenta May Predict Autism Risk, Study SuggestsThe 'Learning Curve' of Living With Asperger'sGuideline Changes Have Asperger's Community on EdgeAge of Autism Diagnosis May Depend on Symptoms: StudyChanges to Psychiatry's 'Bible' Could Widen Definition of ADHDKids With Autism May Be Less Likely to Imitate 'Silly' BehaviorOne in 10 U.S. Kids Diagnosed With ADHD: ReportAnother Study Sees No Vaccine-Autism LinkOne in 50 School-Aged Children in U.S. Has Autism: CDCBrain Circuitry Yields Clue to Autism, Researchers SayDon't Give ADHD Meds to Undiagnosed Kids, Experts UrgeMost Kids With Autism Overcome Language Delays, Study FindsBrain Connections Differ in Children With AutismCan Therapy Dogs Help Kids With Autism?Researchers Detect an Anti-Autism Advantage in FemalesADHD Symptoms Stable From Preschool Diagnosis to Year SixDon't Overlook Eating Issues Tied to Autism, Study WarnsSome Dietary Interventions Improve ADHD SymptomsNon-Drug ADHD Treatments Don't Pan Out in StudyMore U.S. Children Diagnosed With ADHDFor Some Children, Autism Symptoms May Fade With AgeResearchers Link 25 New Gene Variants to AutismBullying Harms Kids With Autism, Parents SayExposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution Linked to AutismIs the Mental Health System Failing Troubled Kids?Asperger's, Autism Not Linked to Violence: ExpertsGene Study Uncovers More Autism CluesKids With Autism Common Users of ERs, Study SaysYoungest Kids in Class May Be More Likely to Get ADHD DiagnosisADHD Drugs Didn't Raise Heart Risks for Kids, Study FindsPlay-Focused Program Might Help Kids With AutismAutism Tough to Spot Before 6 Months of Age, Study SuggestsSingle Bout of Exercise Benefits Children With ADHDKids With Autism Find It Hard to Describe Poor Behavior, Study FindsNearly Half of Children With Autism Wander From Safety: SurveyNew Autism Criteria Will Have Minor Impact: StudyPsychiatric Disorders Often Persist in Juvenile OffendersResearch Lacking on Drugs for Older Children With Autism, Study FindsDrug Shows Promise Against Fragile X Syndrome, Possibly AutismAntipsychotic Use Up Among U.S. Medicaid-Enrolled YouthAlmost Half of U.S. Kids With Autism Have Been BulliedMore Kids Taking Antipsychotics for ADHD: StudyCortical Surface Area Maturation Delayed in ADHDPets May Help Kids With Autism Develop Social SkillsStudy Examines Effect of Trisomy 13, 18 on Families, Providers Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
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by Marcela Gaviria and Will Cohen (Directors) PBS, 2008 Review by Christian Perring on Mar 18th 2008 
The Medicated Child broadcast on PBS in 2008 follows up on the 2001 documentary Medicating Kids which was largely about the rise in the prescription of stimulants such as Ritalin. This new documentary focuses on the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children in teenagers, and the associated prescription of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. We meet several children, including DJ Koontz, a four year old boy whose doctor has prescribed him with bipolar disorder. DJ takes several different psychotropic drugs every day. The filmmakers interview his parents, who explain their difficult position. They are not enthusiastic about medication, but they don't see any alternative because of DJ's rages which last half a day, and his self-harming behavior. The documentary nevertheless highlights the lack of research on the efficacy of psychiatric medication for children, and the concerns about the possible side effects. It explains the controversy over the possibility of diagnosing bipolar disorder in children, and the part played by the psychiatric researcher Joseph Biederman. They were not able to interview Biederman, but they did interview Kiki Chang at Stanford Medical School, who also defends the practices of diagnosing bipolar disorder in children. On the other side of the debate they allow psychiatric researchers to voice their skepticism about both the diagnoses, the use of medication to treat the symptoms, and the problems of getting objective knowledge when so much research is sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies. The documentary depicts everyone involved as having good intentions and aware of the risks of the different options available to them, and simply taking different attitudes towards which risks are worth taking. The associated PBS website has several transcripts of full interviews with those involved, along with guides for parents and a moderated discussion board. This is an excellent resource for parents, children, and anyone teaching courses related to childhood mental disorders. Link: PBS website where it is possible to watch the documentary online
© 2008 Christian Perring Christian Perring, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dowling College, New York |
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