1. Psychiatric Medications: Prescription Overload By: Benjamin Brandt

2. How do psychiatric drugs work? Medications Affect Neurotransmitters.

3. Some Common Side Effects Nausea, Loss of appetite, weight changes Headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, confusion Aggressive/violent behavior, worsened depression Sexual problems, suicidal feelings, seizures

4. Increase of Distribution Prescriptions for children 0-17 increased 50% from ’96-’06 Prescriptions for adults 18+ increased by 73% from ’96-’06 In 2008 psychiatric drugs sold $40.3 BILLION dollars worth of medications!!

5. Kids on Drugs Bi-Polar disorder diagnoses has risen by 4,000% since 1996 Kids as young as 2 are being given very potent medications Young brains are at high risk of dangerous side effects

6. Alternative Treatments Complete physical check up for other possible illnesses Therapy (Art, Music, Meditation) Healthy diet, Active life, Support group