Discussion Post: Psychopharmacology
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 they are 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.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Reference
• Advokat, C. D., Comaty, J. E., & Julien, R. M. (2018). Julien's primer of drug action: A comprehensive guide to the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs (14th ed.). Worth Publishers.
o Chapter 13: Anxiolytics, Sedative Hypnotic, Anesthetics, and Anticonvulsants
o Chapter 14: Drugs Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder
o Chapter 15: Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.