Posted by fakecanuck on April 2, 2009, at 15:07:16
In reply to Re: celexa for 12 year old?, posted by desolationrower on March 30, 2009, at 0:20:35
> i think other than stimulants or antiepiletics, there is not enough evidence of saftey or efficacy, and enough animal evidence about problems from immature brains being given drugs, that it should be avoided except a last resort.
>
> -d/r
Medicine can permanently alter the body regardless of age. Definitely, long-term and in-depth studies are still wanting.Growing up ill can deform a child, too, though.
I was that child. My parents did not treat me at 10. They were somewhat in denial, and as a child, I didn't know how to stick up for how I felt.
Luckily, my childhood suicide attempts were not successful. Yes, multiple, because I hid them from my parents because they seemed ashamed at how I felt, anyways. It should never have have had to reach that point.
Unfortunately, I knew others in the same boat.
There were permanent effects to growing up unmedicated. It effectively "trained" my brain to feel defeated, fearful, despairing, and in intense pain. I came to expect to suffer somatic symptoms. I don't fight things I should fight. Including for recognition and plain fair treatment that would have advanced my career. Including the spells of insomnia and other symptoms that became recurring before I hit 21.
I have been trying to re-train myself for years now. I am tough, so I have had success. :) But I suspect some bad mental health habits may have become permanently lodged in my personality. When I read about how the brain can be physically shaped by how we think, I believe it.
So... I wouldn't be prejudiced for or against medicine for a 12 year old, if I were you. But go in with copious research, and your eyes very wide open. It seems that the biggest problem with prescribing (or not) psychoactive medicines to children is that they are left alone.
poster:fakecanuck
thread:887551
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090330/msgs/888240.html