Psychiatric drugs soar among Aussie kids

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http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/726564-Psychiatric-drugs-soar-among-Aussie-kids


#1 Crankinit View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact
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Posts 5,277 19-06-2014 23:47 THE use of powerful psychiatric drugs is soaring among Australian children as young as 10, research shows.

THE number of prescriptions for antipsychotic drugs jumped 49 per cent among 10 to 14 year olds over a four-year period, according to a study of government subsidised prescriptions.
The number of prescriptions for antidepressants increased by more than a third in that age group, according to figures for 2009 to 2012 published in the latest issue of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.

Among people of all age groups, the study shows a 26 per cent increase in ADHD medication, a 23 per cent increase in antipsychotics and a 16 per cent increase in antidepressants.

There has been a 35 per cent jump in the use of the ADHD medication Ritalin.

Part of the reason for this is an increase in the number of teenagers and adults using the medication.

The study shows ADHD medication increased 71 per cent for 20 to 24 year olds and 37 per cent for people aged 25 and older.

The rise was 26 per cent for children aged three to nine, 15 per cent for 10 to 14 year olds, 33 per cent for 15 to 19 year olds.

Research leader Professor Iain McGregor called for a discussion about whether the benefits of medication outweigh the hazards, particularly in children and in those suffering mild to moderate distress.

"We need to have a national debate about what is driving this phenomenon.

"Why are we so reliant on meds for our mental wellbeing?"

Clinical Psychologist Andrew Fuller described the study as "massively" concerning, but not surprising.

"We seem to have a growing proportion of young people showing signs of vulnerability in terms of mental health issues.

Some of the prescriptions could be partly because of the agitation of the patient or their parent, or anxiety of the doctor who wants to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, he says.

"Often the medication is seen as the solution. ADHD medication is highly prescribed, but sadly very rarely given together with other forms of treatment.

"For depression, talk therapy is very powerful. So is exercise or meditation techniques."

These could be used on their own or together with medication, he says. But they take longer than medication to kick in.
"Why are we so reliant on meds for our mental wellbeing?"
Because our society in general and the way we raise and educate our kids in particular is sick and broken and these kids are feeling the symptoms without even recognizing why it is that they feel so terrible.

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#2 poledriver View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact
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Posts 8,222 20-06-2014 16:00 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226959960712

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#3 weekend addiction View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact Send Email
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Blog Entries8 20-06-2014 17:54 I think these "soaring rates" have to do with more people getting access to medicine and more awareness. In a way it is a sign of a good thing. Where there is medicine there is health care. Something everyone doesn't have in America.

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#4 Mysterie View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact
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Blog Entries2 20-06-2014 18:23 i disagree, its negative imo

we live in a quick fix society, web-page wont load in less than 3 seconds, bam too slow

so take a pill and you wont feel so scattered or tired or anxious or depressed, quick and easy

little are they aware of the long list of side-effects and what effect it will have on their ability to develop coping mechanisms and how that will affect their future

cures that work gradually over longer periods of time are more likely to be beneficial overall (e.g. eating healthy, exercising, meditating, group therapy, yoga, pursuing hobbies, alternative medicine), plus treating the actual root cause, not just smothering symptoms

tbh they probably just realised what abbot had in store for them and were like "fuck this dude, lets get a prescription for dexies"

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#5 weekend addiction View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact Send Email
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Blog Entries8 20-06-2014 18:41 ^I find it ironic when people complaining about the "just take a pill" mentality on a drug forum. I see where your coming from though.

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#6 Mysterie View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact
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Blog Entries2 20-06-2014 20:16 yeh i kno, i was attracted to bluelight at first bcus of drugs, now i like it because of the aspect of overcoming addictions and connecting with other people who feel/have felt like outsiders

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#7 ro4eva View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact Send Email
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Blog Entries7 21-06-2014 04:54 Originally Posted by Mysterie
i disagree, its negative imo

we live in a quick fix society...
I totally agree with you on that.

We like to find quick fixes for everything, and it's not gonna turn out how we expect it to.

Admittedly, I have tried to find quick fixes for some of my past issues (and at least one present one), and have learned the hard way that my expectations are unrealistic.

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#8 Crankinit View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact
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Posts 5,277 21-06-2014 07:56 The problem isn't quick fixes so much as quick fixes which aren't combined with long term solutions.

ANd thanks for adding the link Poledriver.

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http://www.drmercola.com/childrens-health/effects-of-adhd-drugs-on-children/ *


Australian Parents Are “Forced” To Give ADHD Drugs to Their Children

Posted on February 3rd, 2012 by author | 32 Comments »

giving adhd drugs to childrenAustralian parents who refuse to give medication to children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be forced to give up their kids to child protection services. According to the draft guidelines created by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) expert working group:

“Consideration should be given to the ability of the child/adolescent and their caregivers to implement strategies.

As with any medical intervention, the inability of parents to implement strategies may raise child protection concerns.” (link)

Anti-ADHD medication campaigner Martin Whitely said that these “strategies” are referring to ADHD drugs. Whitely is petitioning for the statement to be removed to protect parents’ rights.

Dr. Joseph Mercola agrees with Whitely because ADHD medications are linked to severe and damaging effects on children.

“There are clearly many superior alternatives for addressing ADHD than potentially dangerous psychiatric drugs that often contain different formulations of methylphenidate, a powerful psychostimulant drug that is in the same class as cocaine and amphetamines,” he comments.

Children Are Likely Being Misdiagnosed

Certain U.S. states have already enacted legislation to protect their citizens from this issue by prohibiting schools and child protection officials from forcing parents to give drugs to their children. However, there are still instances when this issue arises. Many parents have experienced being “cut out” of the decision-making process about what’s best for their child’s health.

Dr. Mercola says that medicating children with ADHD is a double-edged sword. Aside from the health risks associated with the ADHD drugs, there are also children who have been misdiagnosed with this condition.

“Diagnosing ADHD really comes down to a matter of opinion, as there is no physical test, like a brain scan, that can pinpoint the condition. There’s only subjective evaluation, and, for better or worse, teachers can play a significant role in this evaluation,” Dr. Mercola explains.

Aside from inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, other ADHD symptoms include:

Frequent fidgeting or squirming
Always seems to be on the go
Acts and speaks without thinking, or forgets things
Has difficulty playing quietly
Feels restless often
Runs and climbs excessively, or leaves his or her seat in the classroom when not appropriate
Daydreams a lot or seems not to listen
Excessive talking, interrupts often, and blurts out answers to questions at inappropriate times

However, Dr. Mercola claims that some of these “symptoms” could actually describe most children. “Only those who struggle with serious inattention and hyperactive or impulsive behaviors around the clock are candidates for the ADHD label, but it is frequently given to many other children as well,” he comments.

According to a study published in the Journal of Health Economics, about 20 percent of children – around one million children – in the U.S. have likely been misdiagnosed. The study reports that the youngest children in any given grade level are showing “symptoms,” but they are actually being compared to their more mature classmates (link).

Profit: At the Core of ADHD Medications

“It would seem that profit and control is at the root of the ADHD diagnosis epidemic, and that if the underlying factors that cause the unruly behavior associated with ADHD were addressed, namely, poor nutrition, any dysfunctional family aspects, societal and school dynamics, and chemical exposures, to name but a few, the real solution – having nothing to do with prescriptions – could be identified and implemented,” says Dr. Mercola.

Not only are ADHD drugs unnecessary and ineffective, but they are actually very potent. These drugs are hard-core, “class 2″ narcotics that are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency. They are a controlled substance because they can lead to dependence.

Ritalin is one example of a dangerous ADHD drug. It stimulates your central nervous system and interferes with the delicate and complex workings of your brain and personality. It may cause severe side effects such as stroke, psychotic symptoms, seizures, and sudden death in those with heart problems.

Natural Approaches to ADHD and ADHD-Like Symptoms

Dr. Mercola recommends trying non-drug approaches to treat children with ADHD. Here are some safe strategies you can try.

Eliminate grains and sugar from your child’s diet. These cause allergies in sensitive individuals, even those of the organic and whole variety.
Avoid processed fruit juices and sodas, and drink pure, clean non-fluoridated water instead.
Give your kid high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats, like krill oil. Avoid processed fats, especially trans fats.
Avoid processed foods with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. These may trigger or worsen symptoms.
Remove dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides, from your home. Avoid commercial washing detergents and cleaning products as well. Replace these products with naturally derived cleaning products that have no added chemicals.
Enjoy nature. According to researchers, exposing children with ADHD to nature is an affordable and healthy way of controlling symptoms.
Let your child try sensory therapy and emotional wellness tools like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)*.

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Natural treatments for ADD / ADHD:

"I'm not a fan of any of the powerful, and addictive central nervous system stimulants. An increased incidence of abuse of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and other amphetamines has been reported among users of Ritalin, and other amphetamine related medications, which may well predispose them to later abuse street drugs, with all the undesirable consequences involved. The only medication for it not in the stimulant family that I know of is Strattera, which is structurally related to the antidepressants, and carries risks, and side effects of its own; see www.drugs.com. People in most Western countries often get several times more Omega 6, than Omega 3, when a far healthier ratio is 1:1 and that deficiency is thought to be a major factor in ADD/ADHD.

Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, or the recommended dose of a high quality fish oil daily, like Carlsons or Melrose (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it! Females may benefit by balancing the DHA, & EPA versions of Omega 3 in fish, or krill oil with ALA flaxseed oil Omega 3, or at least one heaped tablespoonful of ground flaxseed, daily. Dr. Mercola rates "krill oil" much higher than fish oil, because it is far less easily oxidised, so you may want to check this out for yourself through the searchbar at mercola.com Vegetarians & vegans: Google: "Omega 3; algae; supplies" and use it with flaxseed. Eat more in accordance with your "nutritional type":- (free 20 question quiz http://www.naturalhealthcoach.com/tools ) or sign up free at www.mercola.com where a more comprehensive one is, free; do both. Also enter "ADHD" in their searchbar, and check out the articles.

Eliminate, or minimise sugar use, replacing with xylitol, or stevia (health food stores). Avoid artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, & MSG. Minimise highly processed grains, & alcohol use.

BOOKS: "The A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Diet! A Comprehensive Look at Contributing Factors and Natural Treatments for Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity" by Rachel Bell, and "Ritalin Is Not The Answer: A Drug-Free, Practical Program for Children Diagnosed with ADD or ADHD" by David B. Stein, & ADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy by Lawrence Weathers, & ADD/ADHD Drug Free: Natural Alternatives and Practical Exercises to Help Your Child Focus by Frank Jacobelli and Lynn A. Watson, & Dr. Bob's Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days by Robert DeMaria, & The ADD and ADHD Cure: The Natural Way to Treat Hyperactivity and Refocus Your Child by Jay Gordon and Jennifer Chang. Also: "HOW TO BEAT HYPERACTIVITY WITHOUT DRUGS Reversing ADD and ADHD in 20 days" Michael Sichel & Greta Sichel. 2001. Bookbound Publishing, from your bookstore, or amazon.com (also enter in their searchbar: "ADD + ADHD; natural treatments"). If you can't get it those ways, you can also try Bookbound.com.au Check out: http://ezinearticles.com/?Alternative-Medicine-For-ADHD---A-Way-Through-the-Jungle&id=2222056 & http://www.add-treatment.com/natural-remedies-for-adhd.html

Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which you are better able to communicate with your subconscious mind. 85% of people are suggestible to some degree; 15% - 20% highly so, and 15% - 20% aren't much at all, so you could either preferably seek professional hypnotherapy, or, if not an option, quicker, cheaper, and more conveniently: http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com Manage ADHD, or: Perfect Partners: Manage ADHD + Improve Impulse Control, and/or: Perfect Partners: Improving Concentration and Focus + Don't Get Distracted, & Classroom Fascination, & http://www.instant-hypnosis.com/ Attention Deficit Disorder.

NATURALLY DERIVED ADD/ADHD PRODUCTS: View:
http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/shop3/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=31 & http://www.add-care.com./ "