ABSTRACT

Many children and adolescents take and benefit from psychotropic medications. For others, a psychiatric diagnosis can be helpful in explaining behavior, removing blame, and in accessing services. At the same time, there is a risk in utilizing any external agent. In the eyes of parents, children, and adolescents the external agent (e.g., medication, psychiatric diagnosis, etc.) can become the factor in determining behavior and action. For example, they may view the medica­ tion or diagnosis as being in charge. The problem with this is that some people will deny ac­ countability and say things such as, “I couldn’t help it, my mom forgot to give me my medica­ tion” or “He has ADD and he does that because he’s impulsive.” Although medication can help peoplefeel better, ultimately, it is up to the individual to make choices and be accountable for his or her behavior.