Antipsychotics are too often used to control behavior in two of our most vulnerable groups: children and the elderly. The behavior is often an adaptation to an unsupportive, chaotic, dysfunctional, overstimulating or, in some cases, understimulating environment. I've written about the over use of medications with children before. Here is an article outlining the risks for seniors. Why is it done? Two reasons, mainly: convenience and money. If you have a depressed, unhappy, or angry resident in a nursing home, it's much easier to zonk them with meds than to address their concerns. It's easier for the administrators, staff, and physicians. It's also cheaper, at least in the short-run. So, our most vulnerable continue to be subjected to medications proven to be quite risky and not proven to be effective at much beyond over-sedation.
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