Published: 23, march 2015 many general practitioners as well as psychiatrists have begun to use off label prescribing for psychotropic drugs with little regard for impact on childrens health, mental or otherwise. 1 only gradually are scientists beginning to explore the neurological, endocrine, metabolic and social effects of psychotropic drugs prescribed to children and adolescents. Drugs never intended for youth especially as a cocktails containing several different types have begun to interact with children's brain chemistry, sometimes causing irreversible damage.

2 by treating what society deems psychiatrically abnormal children with psychotropic drugs, we must consider the possibility that we are creating four additional types of abnormalities: metabolic, endocrine, kinetic, and social. These unintended abnormalities or side effects are leading psychiatrists and physicians to add additional drug therapies in order to treat co morbidities related to original drug intake. Who wrote this essay request removal example essays drugs will always play a role in the chemical composition of the brain and the signals it sends forthwith to the body.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that control and are capable of altering brain function in the broadest sense. Presynaptic effects are seen through the enhancement or suppression of reuptake of neurotransmitters to the presynaptic receptor, whereas, postsynaptic effects are known to modify transmission by acting as an agonist or antagonist to the postsynaptic receptor. In layman's terms modification of the presynapses by inhibiting the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, the signal senders, helps continue the excitation between the synapse for an extended period, whereas in the case of postsynaptic effects the flow of neurotransmitters is inhibited across the synapse to their postsynaptic receptor therefore the signal is not as strong or non existent. Antidepressants generally work on the presynaptic receptors while antipsychotics work on postsynaptic receptors. 4 the release of hormones and the way drugs effect the secretion of several key developmental hormones have potentially dangerous effects on children's metabolic function.

Some psychotropic drugs second generation atypical anti psychotics and some classes of antidepressants have high binding affinity to muscarinic mâ‚ƒ receptors on pancreatic beta î² cells. 5 the vegas nerve x, originating in the brain and affected by psychotropic drugs, releases acetocholene ach to stimulate the pancreas. In turn the pancreas excretes numerous hormones through parasympathetic stimulation such as glucagon, epinephrine, corticosteroid and growth hormone all of which induce a hypoglycemic state in excess. It also controls the hormone insulin, which in surplus will contribute to hyperglycemia. Suggests that the mâ‚ƒ receptors on the î² cells which are stimulated through parasympathetic control from vegas nerve are affected by the neurotransmitters ach of the brain which is in turn manipulated by the drugs ingested. As we explore the effects of drugs on the brain and in turn on the body, let us concentrate on insulin and the detrimental effects it has on the body when there is a surplus or a deficiency. One of the most lethal and debilitating problems our youth face today is obesity.

Prescription drugs are increasingly contributing to effects on metabolic functioning resulting in type 2 diabetes mellitus t2dm. One class of drugs that contributes to significantly to these findings is second generation antipsychotics as well as specific types of antidepressants. T2dm is encountered when body becomes unable to remove glucose from the blood due to down regulation or a decrease of insulin receptors. 6 generally an increase in glucose triggers an increase in insulin that will initiate the liver and muscles to cycle glucose out of the blood by storing it as glycogen and eventually fat however, long term exposure to increased amounts of insulin causes cells to become insulin resistant through the down regulation of receptor cells. The results of this is glucose intolerance and diabetes are expedited unfortunately studies show that symptoms progress more rapidly in the case of children. Have noted that t2dm carries an increased risk of early complication for micro and macrovascular, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, renal insufficiency and failure, vasculopathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and ketoacidosis in the case of children as opposed to adults.

7 although there are a plethora of negative metabolic side effects for children while taking psychotropic medication, t2dm has attracted the most attention of the scientific community due to its rapid progression, and connection to multiple life threatening diseases. Sample below may appear distorted but all corresponding word document files contain proper formatting excerpt from document: psychotropic medications treat clinical disorders at the neurological level. All affect neurotransmitters, by increasing or decreasing their availability, processing power, or reuptake. Psychotropic medications are becoming more sophisticated and effective because of advancements in neuroscience. The medications are important adjuncts to psychotherapy because of their ability to minimize symptoms. However, psychotropic medications create side effects, many of which are harmful, uncomfortable, and in rare cases fatal.

Therefore, health care workers must monitor patients taking any psychotropic medications. Other medications, diet, or lifestyle habits may also interfere with the action of the psychotropic drugs. Contraindications must be thoroughly examined before recommending psychotropic medications as a treatment option. Antidepressants treat mainly major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and can also be used during the depressed phase of bipolar disorder. During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, different medications or treatments may be recommended. Lithium is a commonly prescribed psychotropic drug for treating both the depressive and the manic phases of bipolar disorder nimh. The two main classifications of antidepressant medications are monoamine oxidase inhibitors maois and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ssris.

Electroconvulsive therapy ect can be an effective alternative intervention to psychotropic medications. The therapy is mainly used for persons experiencing acute episodes of melancholy but may also be recommended for other disorders that include symptoms like catatonia, mania, or schizophrenia. Ect may also be helpful for persons who cannot take psychotropic drugs such as pregnant women or seniors. What are the long term effects of taking psychotropic medications? since they are new to the pharmacopia, what are some of the potential long term risks of taking psychotropic drugs and might they affect human beings on the level of dna? 2.

Do psychotropic drugs become addictive, or are clients able to wean themselves off them without experiencing recurring symptoms of the clinical disorder? do they have to be taken long term? national institute of mental health nimh. Retrieved oct 18, 2008 from this is a free example essay on psychoactive drugs: psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that alter behavior, mood, perception, or mental functioning. Through the consumption of substances many cultures have found ways to alter consciousness. Psychoactive substances apply their effects by transforming biochemical or physiological processes in the brain. The message system of nerve cells, or neurons, relies on both electrical and chemical transmission.

Neurons rarely touch each other there is a microscopic gap between one neuron and the next, called the synapse. When a neuron fires, it releases chemicals called neurotransmitters into the synapse. Psychoactive drugs act by altering neurotransmitter function, they bind to the site of the firing neuron and inhibits this process so the neurotransmitters remain in the synapse, where they extend and increase the normal effect. The drugs can be separated into six key pharmacological classes based on their desired behavioral or psychological effect: alcohol, sedative hypnotics, hallucinogens, narcotic analgesics, stimulant euphoriants, and psychotropic drugs.

Doctors often believe in the purely medical models of the mind, to them all illness including mental illnesses can be overcome by prescribing medication. Patients too, are often looking for quick fixes and are willing to take medication instead of coming to terms with their underlying mental issues. Nowadays general practitioners are prescribing psychotropic medication even to little children dean, hendy and mcguire, 19. A child’s behavioral problems that in the past would be treated by a spanking or the child being sent to bed without supper are now treated with anti depressants and ritalin.