New Freedom Commission on Mental Health
From dKosopedia
Described by the White house as: Bush’s bold plan to tear down the remaining barriers to full integration into American life that many of this Nation’s 54 million citizens with disabilities still face the controversial study has been drawing criticism from the medical and education communities, because it proposes Mandatory Mental screening
Mandatory Mental screening
The president's commission found that "despite their prevalence, mental disorders often go undiagnosed" and recommended comprehensive mental health screening for "consumers of all ages," including preschool children According to the commission, "Each year, young children are expelled from preschools and childcare facilities for severely disruptive behaviours and emotional disorders." Schools, wrote the commission, are in a "key position" to screen the 52 million students and 6 million adults who work at the schools.
Mr Bush's announcement comes after new reports showing that increasing numbers of toddlers and children are being prescribed amphetamines, anti-depressants, and antipsychotic drugs. Concern that widespread screening will only increase the number of young people taking drugs has triggered criticism of the plan.
Another concern is that antidepressants sometimes can spur suicidal behavior in children and teenagers and screening will not prevent suicidal behavior from occurring. FDA panel seeks strong warning on antidepressants for minors