Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Antipsychotics prescribed to treat kids with ADHD?
NEED TO KNOW
- No antipsychotics approved by the FDA to treat kids with ADHD, according to study's leads author
- There may be possible explanations for the increase
The number of children and teens being prescribed
antipsychotic medications for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) has increased over the past few years, according to a new study.
The drugs usually prescribed for psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar, can have significant side effects … and that’s what may be so concerning about the growing trend.
There are no antipsychotics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat kids diagnosed with ADHD, notes the study’s lead author Dr. Mark Olfson, a professor of clinical psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, in the Chicago Tribune.
But there could be possible explanations to why there has been an increase in prescribed antipsychotics.
The Huffington Post reports that an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with conditions like bipolar disorder or autism spectrum, which the FDA has approved in those circumstances. Another reason may be that at least six new antipsychotics in the last 15 years have been introduced to the market.
Dr. Michael Houston, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at The George Washington University Medical Center tells Huffington, “When such medications are recommended, parents should ask a lot of questions, [such as], ‘What other types of treatment, including therapy, are available? What are the possible risks, and how will my child be monitored to possibly avoid [them]? How long will my child be on this medication?’"
Olfson and his colleagues used data on nearly half a million doctors' visits in the U.S. between 1993 and 2009 in accordance with this study.
The drugs usually prescribed for psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar, can have significant side effects … and that’s what may be so concerning about the growing trend.
There are no antipsychotics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat kids diagnosed with ADHD, notes the study’s lead author Dr. Mark Olfson, a professor of clinical psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, in the Chicago Tribune.
But there could be possible explanations to why there has been an increase in prescribed antipsychotics.
The Huffington Post reports that an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with conditions like bipolar disorder or autism spectrum, which the FDA has approved in those circumstances. Another reason may be that at least six new antipsychotics in the last 15 years have been introduced to the market.
Dr. Michael Houston, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at The George Washington University Medical Center tells Huffington, “When such medications are recommended, parents should ask a lot of questions, [such as], ‘What other types of treatment, including therapy, are available? What are the possible risks, and how will my child be monitored to possibly avoid [them]? How long will my child be on this medication?’"
Olfson and his colleagues used data on nearly half a million doctors' visits in the U.S. between 1993 and 2009 in accordance with this study.
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Shooting In Aurora, CO
What A Brother Wants You To Know About HisSister.
Last week this time, the world woke up to news that a gunman in Aurora, CO slipped into a midnight premiere of the new Batman movie through an emergency exit, tossed two gas canisters and then methodically started shooting people. He killed 12 people and wounded 58. It is now among the worst mass shootings in American history.Covering the story for the Dr. Drew, I was on a plane on Saturday to Aurora to cover the story to see what we could find out about shooter, James Holmes. But what I saw, was a community that was coming together in a difficult time and supporting each other. I spoke with many of the families who either lost a loved one, or a family member who was injured.
As one can expect, there is a lot of intense emotions and sadness in Aurora and people want to know why James Holmes did what he did. Who is James Holmes? What made James Holmes snap?
However, one person I spoke with wanted to turn the conversation away from the alleged shooter, and focus the discussion on the victims. I spoke with Jordan Ghawi who lost his sister, 24-year old Jessica Ghawi who was shot in the head. Jordan wants to make sure that the world doesn't forget the names of the 12 victims that died and only remember the name of the shooter.
Here is video of my conversation with Jordan Ghawi.
Rodney King, Dead at 47
This post of Rodney King is late.. However. I was one of the last journalist to interview him and got the last signed copy of his book. Rodney King, you will be missed.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
COOL APPS FOR YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER!
Mario Armstrong recently did an interview on HLN about some cool apps that are great for your kids to interact with over this summer.
1. Sushi Monster. This great math game lets you feed sushi to a monster to test your math abilities. Part of Scholastic’s FASTT Math program for grades 2-9+ English/Spanish program, FASTT Math promises to help students gain fast fluency of Common Core State Standards for math in just 10 minutes a day. Only available for the iPad, you can download Sushi Monster in the App Store today.
2. For kids aged 3-7 who need help with their dexterity and recognizing words, the Build a Word app is based on the hit PBS show Word World.
3. Brain POP. The Brain POP Featured Movie app aren’t just videos your kid will passively watch on their iPad. No, these videos require your kids to pay close attention to what’s happening in the videos because there’s a quiz at the end! The app itself is free from the App Store, though additional modules will come at a cost.
Personally, I love the Sushi Monster and I think you kids will too.
Peace,
Damu Bobb aka Urban Dad.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Clicquot Culture
From the archives: A vintage Veuve Clicquot advertisement.
Learn more about Veuve Clicquot history and culture:http://on.fb.me/ClicquotCultureTab
Friday, April 27, 2012
Dr. Drew producer Damu Bobb asks John Walsh for his parenting advice
In this web extra, "America's Most Wanted"
Walsh: 'It is your responsibility to look out for [your] kid'
Watch more of Dr. Drew Monday through Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HLN and follow the show on Twitter @DrDrewHLN.
Walsh: 'It is your responsibility to look out for [your] kid'
Watch more of Dr. Drew Monday through Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HLN and follow the show on Twitter @DrDrewHLN.
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