Question

What drugs are used to treat psychological disorders? What are some of their negative side effects? At what age do you think children and/or teenagers should be able to decide if they will take medications to treat abnormal psychological functioning or behavior?

Answer 1

A psychological disorder refers to abnormal functioning or dysfunctioning of an individual, which is evident in his impaired or disrupted thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Such impaired or disrupted thoughts, feelings and behaviours are socially unacceptable. Treatment of psychological disorders or abnormal behaviour patterns is essential for normal living in a society. Drugs serve as one of the viable options to cure psychological disorders. Some of these drugs are antidepressants, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, mood stabilizing, anti-epileptics and stimulant medications.

Negative side effects of drugs differ, based on the kind of drug consumed. Improvement is noticed when the individual's body adapts to the medication. Common side effects of medications are drowsiness, increase in weight, weak memory and concentration and being emotionless. People have even experienced dizziness, headache, dry mouth, etc. A research study has even revealed that complete medication did affect brain structure and function to a level.

Children do require and take medications to treat psychological disorders. Psychotropic medications are increasingly used by children in the United States and other countries, as well. The maximum number of disorders start before 14 years of age and have also been diagnosed in preschoolers. It was found that between 2001 and 2005, the number of children under 19 years of age taking antipsychotics increased up to 73 per cent.

Therefore, I think children and/or teenagers should take medications as prescribed by the doctor to treat abnormal psychological functioning or behaviour. They should feel free to come up with their problems and visit a doctor. Family members and loved ones should not neglect the onset of psychological dysfunctioning in an individual and should seek medical help, for the child or teenager.