The term mental illness describes various mental and emotional conditions. When mental illness interferes with life activities such as learning, reasoning, communication, and sleeping, it is called a psychiatric disability. The intensity, type, and duration of mental illness symptoms vary between people. Many times, mental health disorders can be effectively controlled through medication.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for children with ADHD to control their behavior and/or focus their attention. It is estimated that between three and five percent of children have ADHD, or approximately two million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD.
Researchers believe that in selecting the appropriate drug treatment, consideration should be given to the child’s daily school and after-school schedule, the presence of aggressive symptoms, and the risk of diversion. Careful selection of an appropriate medication regimen and active engagement of the child, parents, and teacher in daily management may help to ensure long-term adherence.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Atomoxetine, Dexmethylphenidate, Methylphenidate
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Bupropion, Clonidine, Desipramine, Fluoxetine, Gabapentin, Guanfacine, Imipramine, Modafinil, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Venlafaxine
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism affects the normal development of the brain and impedes social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. As many as 1.5 million Americans, children and adults, are thought to have autism today.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Clonidine, Cyproheptadine, Haloperidol, Methylphenidate, Olanzapine, Pimozide, Risperidone, Ziprasidone
All children experience anxiety, which is expected and normal at specific developmental stages. For example, from approximately age eight months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress when separated from their parents or other persons with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or strangers. If anxieties become severe and begin to interfere with the daily activities of childhood, such as separating from parents, attending school and making friends, evaluation and advice from a child or adolescent psychiatrist may be needed. Drug treatment in children and adolescents must take into account the child’s environmental influences and be part of an overall treatment plan where individual, familial, and cultural issues are addressed.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Clomipramine, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Sertraline
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