For individuals struggling with a mental condition that affects their ability to control emotions or behaviors, life can be a constant struggle. Thanks to improved diagnostic measures as well as a push towards early intervention; today mental conditions such as major depression, anxiety and attention deficient hyperactivity disorder are more quickly and readily diagnosed.
Additionally, many Americans who suffer from these types of emotional and behavioral conditions are taking prescription medications to control their symptoms. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found this to be increasingly true amongst U.S. children ages 6 to 17.
Based on the results of the study, it’s estimated that 7.5 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 17 are currently taking some type of prescription drug to control disruptive symptoms associated with an emotional or behavioral condition. The results of the study show that, with 10.2 percent, boys ages 12 to 17 are most likely to take prescription medications for these types of disorders. Additionally, children and teens that live in households with reported incomes 100 percent below the poverty line make up the largest group taking medications for emotional and behavioral conditions.
The majority of parents, who responded to the study and reported that their children had taken prescription drugs to control emotional and behavior issues within the last six months, reported positive results. These results are significant in providing proof that prescription drugs are effective in treating the negative side effects often experienced by children who suffer from conditions like depression, ADHD and anxiety.
Parents or educators who believe a child may suffer from an emotional or behavioral condition would be wise to have a child evaluated. In cases where a diagnosis confirms a child suffers from ADHD or another condition, he or she may be eligible to receive assistance in the form of Social Security disability benefits.
Source: disabilityscoop, “Kids’ Use Of Behavioral Meds On The Rise,” Shaun Heasley, May 5, 2014Centers for Disease Control, “Use of Medication Prescribed for Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties Among Children Aged 6–17 Years in the United States, 2011–2012,” LaJeana D. Howie, M.P.H., C.H.E.S.; Patricia N. Pastor, Ph.D.; and Susan L. Lukacs, D.O., M.S.P.H
