Link To JAMA Study
jama.ama-assn.org
Feb. 23, 2000
The Journal of the American Medical Association is out with news that more and more stimulants and anti-depressants are being prescribed for preschool children.
News Specialist Scott Light has more.
Are doctors writing too many prescriptions for preschoolers?
The Journal studied 200,000 preschoolers in the early 90's.
More preschoolers are on medications like ritalin and prozac, and the Children's Center herein Salt Lake isn't suprised.
Dr. Doug Goldsmith/The Children's Center: "WE'VE NOT CREATED A SOCIETY THAT'S VERY FRIENDLY TO PRESCHOOLERS. IT'S MUCH TOO FAST PACED. PRESCHOOLERS BY THEIR VERY NATURE LIKE TO LOOK AT THINGS, THEY'RE VERY SLOW AND THOUGHTFUL AND THE PARENTS ARE RUNNING AROUND."
Dr. Goldsmith isn't suprised by the JAMA report.
The Journal studied prescriptions for preschoolers over several years.
Researchers found the number of prescriptions for medications like ritalin and prozac are on the rise.
Dr. Goldsmith says the numbers don't necessarily constitute abuse because there are many more drugs on the market and behaviorial problems are better defined.
However.. there is certainly concern about doctors writing prescription after prescription without really examining the problem.
"THE WORRY IS WE'RE JUMPING TO THAT AS A TOOL AND MISSING A VERY CRITICICAL AND SUCCESFUL TOOL WHICH IS PSYCHOTHERAPY."
For parents who've medicated their youngster, Dr. Goldsmith says don't feel guilty.
Many medications have long track records of success.
Also, don't categorize your child's behavior by the word 'normal'.. normal behavior in one household may be completely abnormal in another.
According to Dr. Goldsmith, this is the time to seek help.
"WHEN PARENTING IS NO LONGER SATISFYING AND FULFILLING. IT'S MORE OF A STRUGGLE THAN A JOY.. THAT'S A GOOD TIME TO SEEK HELP WITH PRESCHOOL CHILDREN."
If you've reached that point, Dr. Goldsmith says come to a place like this or get your pediatrician to recommend a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
Then, go from there.
But for parents who simply go to the doctor for a ritalin prescription, Dr. Goldsmith likens that to having high cholesterol and opting for surgery instead treating it first with diet and exercise.
