Question

The risk-benefit calculation for any drug assumes a correct diagnosis of the disorder. Many investigators and clinicians feel the current epidemic of child psychiatric disorders is largely due to inappropriate diagnosis. Evaluate the risk and benefits of using psychoactive drugs in children correctly diagnosed with a disorder versus those incorrectly diagnosed with a disorder. Consider the risks and benefits of not treating (drug treatment) a child because he or she is not correctly diagnosed with a disorder. In your evaluation summarize the natural course of the disorder, the drug action on the neurotransmitter systems in question, and the likelihood of short-term, long-term, and permanent positive and negative effects of drug treatment. Make sure to take into account the ethical dimension of this risk-benefit calculation.

Answer 1

Risk and benefits of using psychoactive drugs on children correctly diagnosed:

There are more benefits than risk for children taking psychoactive drugs when they are correctly diagnosed with a disorder. These children undergo risks of side-effects associated with a particular drug. These psychoactive drugs tend to either increase or decrease neurotransmitter levels based on the requirement. An abnormality in behavior due to disorder can usually be successfully treated using psychoactive drugs which helps in regulating neurotransmitter levels.

Risk and benefits of using psychoactive drugs on children incorrectly diagnosed:

There are great risks in administering psychoactive drugs to children if they are incorrectly diagnosed. This can cause unnecessary change in levels of neurotransmitters, which might cause permanent impairment of one's mood and behavior. It has serious side effects which can even be physical change. Incorrect diagnosis is unethical in physician's part as the patient is unnecessarily given drugs.