Psychotropic drugs, also called psychiatric or psychotherapeutic drugs, are used to treat psychiatric disorders, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They have been used for many years and often have dangerous side effects. Side effects that often occur in children taking these drugs can include: fainting, blurred vision, vomiting, extreme weight gain, and even death (“About Seroquel,” n.d.). The use of psychotropic medications to treat mental disorders in children and adolescents is highly controversial due to ethical concerns (i.e. parents “medicating” their children to calm them down) and potentially harmful side effects, but it must be taken into account. consider whether the risks outweigh the benefits when deciding whether or not to give these types of medications to children. The use of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents dates back to 1937 when Charles Bradley conducted a study prescribing the stimulant amphetamine sulfate (Benzedrine) to modify the behavior of children with serious behavioral disorders (Adams, 1991). have been conducted, more and more children and adolescents have been prescribed stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers for various mental disorders, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). Potential side effects that occur in children taking these drugs may include: fainting, blurred vision, vomiting, extreme weight gain, and even death ("About Seroquel," n.d.). According to an article published by the University..... . half of the article ......opical drugs. Retrieved from http://www.umdnj.edu/umcweb/marketing_and_communications/publications/umdnj_magazine/hstate/winter_spring01/features/feature03_psychotropic.htmNIMH (National Institute of Mental Health). (2008 - mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/complete-index.shtml About Seroquel from drugs.com (nd). from http://www.drugs.com/seroquel.htmlWhitaker, R. (2010, December 04). Do Psychiatric Drugs Impair Normal Brain Development? Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mad-in -.america/201012/do-psychiatric-medications-impair-normal-brain-developmentWilson, D. (2010, September 01). /www.nytimes.com/2010. /09/02/business/02kids.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all