A Brief Summary Of The Documentary The Medicated Child

In the Frontline documentary "The Medicated Child" (2008), the complex issue of prescribing psychiatric medications to children is scrutinized which prompts critical reflection on the ethical, social, and medical implications of this practice. The documentary presents an interesting narrative, combining interviews with medical professionals, parents, educators, and pharmaceutical personnel to provide a multifaceted exploration of the subject. One critical aspect discussed in the documentary is the tension between the perceived benefits of psychiatric medications and the potential risks associated with their use in children. As discussed in the documentary, “There are very, very few studies in children [regarding medications]” (Gaviria, 28:23),

This raises philosophical questions about the balance between enhancing children's well-being and safeguarding their long-term health. Parents must consider if the short-term improvements in behavior and mood achieved through medication justify the potential long-term consequences of the drugs, such as side effects and/or dependency. Further, "The Medicated Child" discusses the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical practices, demonstrating the existing concerns about the overprescription of psychotropic medications. As Frontline visits the Koontz family, they see the parents watch a documentary that discusses the death of a young girl, in which “The autopsy revealed that she died from an overdose of psychiatric drugs. Koontz worried that DJ was on a similar regime of psychiatric drugs” (Gaviria, 35:15). From the documentary, we learn about marketing strategies and financial benefits that may affect the prescription of certain medications, raising ethical

When it comes to children’s psychiatric health, it is important to have comprehensive assessments, evidence-based interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration to provide holistic care for the children. In neurodevelopmental disorders, individuals may experience a range of challenges that affect their social, academic, and occupational functioning. As explained by the DSM5, “Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, including deficits in social reciprocity, nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, and skills in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships” (DSM5, 2013). On the other hand, “ADHD is a. disorder defined by impairing levels of inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity” (DSM5, 2013). SLD “is diagnosed when there are specific deficits in an individual’s ability to perceive or process information efficiently and accurately” (DSM5,