The Center for Disease Control has some of the most accurate information regarding the illnesses that exist in the United States because of their extensive testing and access to studies done by researchers and scientists. So when they state that there are thousands of toddlers and small children currently taking psychotropic medications, this information is shocking, but true. Children that would normally never be considered good candidates for this kind of treatment are being handed fistfuls of prescription pills that do more harm than good. And all for the sake of their education. This article will discuss some of the main points that experts attribute to this problem.

Pharmaceutical Prowess

In ancient times, illnesses were treated with plants from the earth. But as modern medicine became more developed and widespread, naturalistic remedies were considered useless. So it was fairly easy for the pharmaceutical industry to step in and start pushing their products. All of their advertising methods and fast-talking sales representatives quickly convinced parents that normal, child-like behaviors were somehow consistent with major mental illnesses. As suspicion of overmedication increases, many skeptics are increasingly turning to functional holistic medicine for their healthcare needs.

Decrease in Free-Time

Schools used to have scheduled recesses throughout the day, which allowed children to get all of their energy out and relax their minds. Studies show that recess, play, and exercise during school time increases cognitive function and improves behavior. But now, this free-time is limited, so exacerbated little ones fidget and have difficulty paying attention to the lessons being taught. Instead of realizing the futility of the situation, and correcting it, the children are medicated with attention deficit disorder stimulants and other medications.

Socioeconomic Factors

Many of the parents who have children on psychotropic medications have limited resources available for medical treatments. They have no choice but to rely on state-funded doctors to help them. And these doctors are so overburdened with patients that it is often easier for them to hand out prescriptions instead of offering counseling or parental guidance. On top of this, the poor are often the least educated, and they don't have the resources available to them that are needed for understanding child behaviorism.

As you can see, the cards are heavily stacked against the parents of young children. But it doesn't have to be this way. Those who are concerned about the long-term side effects that psychotropic medications will have on their children can do some research of their own to determine their efficacy and safety. And although resources are limited, many cities have free parenting programs available, which can address common behaviors in children and ways to handle them without pills.