June 9, 2004 - NAMI Reports on Children and Psychotropic Medication

Although it took no position on recent studies that have questioned whether medication or psychotherapy is better for treating children with mental illness, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) warned today that the greatest risk for children and adolescents with mental illness is to do nothing. "Mental illnesses are profound and life-threatening illnesses," said NAMI medical director Dr. Kenne Duckworth. "That's the reality before anyone even starts to talk about medications." The NAMI noted that "Broad education is needed about early warning signs of mental illness in children. Parents must be supported by physicians and other child-serving professionals in making decisions on the use of psychotropic medications. Use by children must be closely monitored and frequently evaluated." The NAMI also cautioned that policymakers "whether in Congress or local school boards" should not interfere in "rights of access to treatment or communication between parents, physicians, schools, and other potential support partners." The NAMI Policy Research Institute Task Force report, "Children and Psychotropic Medication," is available online at www.nami.org/kidsmeds.

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