The film Generation RX discloses the shocking realities of psychiatric drugs and their use in children. The film’s main thesis is that there is a gross negligence occurring in our country; dangerous stimulant and anti-depressant drugs used to treat mental disorders are actually causing the biochemical imbalance that they are meant to alleviate. These drugs pose a threat to the health and livelihood of numerous people, including many misdiagnosed children. Film creator Kevin P. Miller questions the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry pushing the fallacious diagnoses, and the lethal drugs that ensure their profits.
The headline mentioned in the film: “Attention Deficit Disaster” sums up the opening arguments fairly well. Miller explores the lack of scientific credibility of the ever increasing popular ADHD or ADD diagnosis. He points out there is not a single medical test that is used as a diagnostic tool, symptoms are vague, and studies on the subject are extremely flawed. The film exposes the blatant disregard for the scientific process by a panel of physicians at a 1998 conference on ADHD. Dr. Vonnegut, a pediatrician who was said to have diagnosed and treated hundreds of children with ADHD, could not explain the diagnostic guidelines, or even recite a simple list of symptoms. He openly admitted his ignorance on the subject, and yet he felt comfortable enough prescribing mind-altering drugs to his young patients for the illness he could not describe.
Conflict Theory relates to the ideas expressed in this film in that it explains the discrepancies between the use and distribution of legal vs. illegal drugs. Richard Quinney’s Conflict Theory states “Crime, as officially determined, is a definition of behavior that is conferred on some people by those in power” (Readings in Deviant Behavior, Quinney, pg. 45). Many prescribed medications used to treat children and adults with mental disorders are just as addictive and dangerous as the methamphetamines bought on the street. The difference lies in who makes the profit, and who holds the power. Wealthy pharmaceutical companies have high stakes in the political arena, and thus control the narratives surrounding the legalities of their business. Whereas the shady dealer on the corner (pushing the same hazardous drugs as the pharmaceutical rep. in his polished suit) doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Chapter 22 in our text addresses similar issues with the abuses of psychoactive medications. Authors Peter Conrad and Deborah Potter describe the popularity of Prozac during the 90’s, noting “it became regular parts of physicians’ treatment protocols for various life problems” (Readings in Deviant Behavior, Conrad and Potter, pg. 142). The film also addresses this issue when exposing several outraged patients who were given the dangerous drug simply to help them lose weight, and in the advertising targeted towards children and aimed at convincing them that drug therapy is a necessary tool for coping with sad events that may occur in their lives.
The most convincing, and alarming argument presented in this film was the divergences between the benefits and risks for the use of many psychiatric medications. It’s difficult to understand how a person with a reasonable amount of common sense weighs the risks, including extremes such as suicide, brain atrophy, and diabetes against the possible benefits and concludes that the drugs are harmless enough to administer to children. Miller points out that studies conducted on the effectiveness of psycho-stimulants show no significant improvement in the quality of life of its users. That leads us to ask, then who is really benefiting and from what?
I don’t believe the long-term effects of stimulant and anti-depressant use have been thoroughly conducted. Some studies indicate premature aging of the heart and brain shrinkage, among other possible adverse life-long consequences. If I were to design a study I would try to examine not just the biological repercussions of these medications, but also the impact they have on a person’s ability to cope with stress, integrate into society, have meaningful relationships, and live productive, fulfilled lives.
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