Please enable JavaScript in your browser to experience all the custom features of our site.

RabbiHorowitz.com - Contemporary Parenting Questions

Mr. Harry Skydell, Chairman
Mr. Mark Karasick, Vice Chairman
Rabbi Yakov Horowitz, Director
Rabbi Avrohom M. Gluck, Director of Operations
The first 1000 members will have a chance to win a
16 GB
iPod
touch
with Rabbi Horowitz audio

Membership Benefits:

  • Save articles to your favorites folder.
  • Save and print selected articles in a PDF journal.
  • Receive emails containing the latest comments on your favorite articles.
  • Mark articles as "READ".
  • More member features coming soon...

Raffle Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete the signup form and join as a member. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. All entries shall become the property of CJFL. CJFL is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed entries.

The contest is open to the general public. Members need to be at least 18 years old. Identification must be produced on request. Employees of CJFL, its raffle sponsor, advertising and promotional agencies and their respective affiliates and associates and such employees' immediate family members and persons with whom such employees are domiciled are excluded from this raffle. ALL PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED MEMBERS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED INTO THIS RAFFLE. The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded. Decisions of the raffle judges are final - no substitutions will be available. By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness (first initial and last name) and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the internet and picture date storage) which CJFL may deem appropriate. In accepting the prize, the winner, acknowledges that CJFL may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. CJFL retains the rights, in its absolute and sole discretion, to make substitutions of equivalent kind or approximate value in the event of the unavailability of any prize or component of the prize for any reason whatsoever. This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws. CJFL reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this raffle at any time without prior notice. One entry per person.

Contemporary Parenting Questions

BACK TO QUESTIONS MENU

Last updated on 12/21/08

Are psychotropic medications dangerous for children?

The prevalence of pediatric mental illness is greater than many people realize. According to a recent report, one in ten children suffers from mental illnesses severe enough to impair development. However, fewer than one in five children get medical treatment for any mental health problems. Kids denied of their necessary medications become alienated from family and peers, flunk out of school, commit crimes, maybe even land in prison, where mental health services simply do not exist. A juvenile detention center reported that over two-thirds of its youthful offenders suffered from psychiatric disorders.

Traditionally, mental health treatments for children relied upon behavioral or talk therapy, often coupled with an attitude of "waiting until they grow out of it." However, treatment options have changed dramatically since the 1970s. For today's children suffering from mental or behavioral disorders, psychotropic medications can work miracles.

Children on psychotropic medications must be carefully monitored, however. Those medications may be miraculous for some, yet they do carry serious side effects. In addition, it is common for medical professionals to prescribe psychotropic medications that are not approved by the FDA for use in children. It is important for the parents to be educated consumers and ask as many questions as they need about the medications.

In the Jewish Community

The use of psychotropic medications in the Jewish community carries an enormous stigma. Some parents feel inclined not to medicate their children out of a fear that their family’s reputation will be ruined. Although some medications can have serious side effects, the results are usually well worth it. It is wrong and cruel to deny a child a medication that they so desperately need.

Paradoxically, overmedicating is also a problem in the Jewish community. Jewish children have unusually long school days in classrooms with sometimes over thirty children. Teachers in these situations often have trouble controlling the classroom and recommend medications for the more rambunctious students. Although some children do have ADHD, it is a diagnosis that should be made by a specialized child psychiatrist, and never by a pediatrician or an adult psychiatrist. Pediatricians and general psychiatrists have limited training in the complex field of child psychiatry and should not be relied upon for matters beyond their expertise.

Use the following links to learn more about psychotropic medications and their uses in children. Evaluate the pros and cons of psychotropic medications and access resources that will help you make your decision.

Frequently Asked Links

What are psychotropic medications?

How can psychotropic medications help children?

What are some of the different types of psychotropic medications and which ones are approved for use in children?

What are some of the side effects of psychotropic medications?

What are some of the pros and cons for using antidepressants for children?

Are psychotropic medications overprescribed for children?

Can a child recover from depression without taking antidepressants?

Are ADHD medications safe?

Is medication effective for kids with ADHD?

By Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

What are some of the dangers of Ritalin and what are its alternatives?

Related Articles

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood behavioral disorder, but it can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to understand. Here is information about what to do if your child has ADHD.

News - Most Kids With ADHD Are not Getting the Treatment They Need

ADHD cannot be cured, but it can be successfully managed. Yet researchers found that many of the estimated 2.4 million kids with ADHD who need help are not getting it.

News - Kids With ADHD Should Get Heart Tests Before Taking Stimulants

Before prescribing stimulants for children diagnosed with ADHD, doctors are now being advised to order an electrocardiogram to make sure that kids are not at risk for heart problems related to taking these drugs.

Resources

Mental Health Resources for the Jewish Community

Compiled by Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
http://www.fda.gov
The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org
The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.

Rabbi Horowitz does not endorse any external sites or monitor or approve content on these sites. When considering information presented here, you should consult your experts to determine what is best for you. Our sole purpose is to help you access information that Rabbi Horowitz and others have made available on the internet.

BACK TO QUESTIONS MENU



Working with Families and Educators on Behalf of our Children

This site is managed by The Center for Jewish Family Life, Inc., 56 Briarcliff Drive, Monsey, NY 10952
Project Y.E.S. was founded by Agudath Israel of America
The Center for Jewish Family Life/Project YES - 56 Briarcliff Drive, Monsey, NY 10952 (845) 352-7100 ext. 114 Fax: (845) 352-9593
email: email@kosherjewishparenting.com


Advertisements