DSM V and the Diagnosing of Human Behavior

A recent story in U.S. News and World Report states, "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as it is known, is hugely influential because it determines what is and is not a mental disorder. In turn, it is responsible for much of the sales growth in prescription drugs." In a recent article in Psychiatric Times Dr. Allen Frances discusses his concerns about the way the next version of the DSM is being formulated and the possibility that formerly normal human behaviors will be become "medicalized".

DSM V and the Diagnosing of Human Behavior

Children face swine flu drug test

The first children in Britain have started receiving a swine flu vaccine as part of a major new trial.

Researchers are hoping to use around 1,000 youngsters over the next fortnight to see which of two different drugs perform the best.

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Many Kids Suffer Medication Side Effects: Study

More than half a million kids a year are treated for medication side effects in American outpatient clinics and emergency rooms, according to new data.

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Children's and Infants' Tylenol Recall Underway

A voluntary recall of several varieties of children’s and infants’ Tylenol has been announced by the drug’s manufacturer, McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Specific lots and flavors of 21 Tylenol products are being recalled, including Children’s Tylenol® Suspension 4 oz. Strawberry, Children’s Tylenol® Pediatric Suspension 1 oz. Cherry, and Infants’ Tylenol® Suspension Drops ½ oz. Grape.

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Psychiatrists lay down the rules for prescribing to kids*

A psychiatrist contemplating the prescription of psychotropic medications to a kid should open communications to the child's pediatrician. He should ensure that the child and her family grasp the objectives, side effects and benefits of the proposed medication, and agree it's needed. The psychiatrist should have a detailed plan to monitor the effects of the medication and change or discontinue the drug if it's not getting the job done or has untoward side effects.

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Claritin response to claim kids being used as drug pushers

In a previous post I made here, I was shocked that kids are being used to push drugs in these commercials. I did contact the company and have received a response. Although I still disagree with their stance and use of children in pushing their drugs, here is their response in full and unedited:

Claritin response to claim kids being used as drug pushers

Treating ADHD without drugs

Parents fight use of new psych meds for kids

Parents fight use of new psych meds for kids

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/12/INGO19LGNC.DTL#ixzz0QzYies5X

HPV Vaccine Endorsed for Males

Gardasil, already a $1-billion vaccine marketed worldwide to young women, was endorsed Wednesday for use in young men, too, reports CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook.

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ADHD drugs don't help children long term

Stimulant drugs like Ritalin that are used to treat ADHD don't improve children's symptoms long term, according to new research published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

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Children's Hospital receives federal contract to study antibiotic use in children with UTIs

In the largest study of its kind, pediatric researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have received a federal contract for a project to determine the most beneficial method of using antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children.

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Are autistic kids in the foster care system being over medicated?

Who should we as a society be watching out for more than kids with disabilities who are in foster care? They are kids. They are disabled. They don’t have their parents to advocate for them. They are our responsibility once they enter into the foster care system.

Read more: http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/?p=2943#ixzz0QcRVqhS4

FDA admits what psychiatric medications are all about - again

ADHD, Stimulants, Children and Sudden Death

Imagine if your child was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and was started on a course of stimulant psychiatric medications (like Ritalin), a standard treatment used for ADHD.

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