A behavioral pediatrician questions the wisdom of medicating our children. Genetic research that can save lives is often stymied by biotech companies' greedy patent claims. Yes, but that doesn't make the pain any less real.
Some psychiatric drugs do help children, but school and family are crucial, too.
Read Part 1. This dichotomy, while appealing to TV talk shows and tabloid journalism, doesn't do justice to the motives of nearly everyone involved. The discussion is complicated by the fact that children are dependent on their caregivers and are not allowed to make the final decision about their own care. At best, children are offered informed choice but not consent. Also, because children are in a developmental stage, the stakes are higher when they take medication.