Frontline Season 19 Episode 13 Medicating Kids

In season 19 episode 13 of Frontline, titled "Medicating Kids," the show takes a critical look at the rise of prescription drug use among children in the United States. The episode explores the reasons why doctors are prescribing drugs such as Ritalin, Prozac, and other psychotropic medications to children at a higher rate than ever before.

The episode begins by examining the history of the use of prescription drugs in children. It looks at the discovery of Ritalin in 1937 and its use in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also looks at the introduction of Prozac in 1987 and its use in treating depression and anxiety in children.

The show then discusses the increase in the prescription of psychotropic medications in recent years. Frontline reports that the number of prescriptions for antipsychotic medications for children has increased fivefold since 2000, and the number of prescriptions for ADHD medication has increased by almost 500 percent since 1990.

The episode looks at the reasons behind this increase in prescription drug use. It examines the influence of pharmaceutical companies on doctors and the role of insurance companies in the process. It also explores the idea that the increasing pressure on students to perform academically has led to increased diagnoses of ADHD and other disorders.

Frontline interviews parents who have struggled with the decision of whether or not to medicate their children. Some parents believe that the drugs have helped their children and have had no negative side effects. Others are concerned about the potential long-term effects of the drugs on their children's developing brains and worry that the use of medication is a Band-Aid solution to more complex issues.

The episode also examines the potential negative side effects of psychotropic medications. It looks at the cases of children who have died as a result of taking Ritalin and examines the possible link between the use of antipsychotic medications and weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.

Throughout the episode, Frontline interviews doctors who have different perspectives on the use of prescription drugs in children. Some believe that the drugs are a valuable tool in helping children with mental health issues. Others argue that the drugs are being overprescribed and that other solutions, such as therapy or changes in diet and exercise, should be explored before resorting to medication.

Ultimately, "Medicating Kids" raises important questions about the use of prescription drugs in children. It asks viewers to consider the long-term consequences of medication use and the role that pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and parents play in the decision to medicate a child. The episode is a thought-provoking look at a complex issue that affects millions of children and families in the United States.