Christie Greason AP Language and COmposition Documentary Analysis Christie Greason AP Language and COmposition

Link to Documentary http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/medicatedchild/

The Medicated Child Central Issue Additional Issue Documentary Mode Are powerful prescription drugs with relatively little information about long-term impacts appropriate for troubled children? Additional Issue Are the diagnoses of childhood bipolar disorder correct? Documentary Mode Interactive Mode Multiple viewpoints are presented, each contributing different information from research and medical practice

Brief Summary Slide Nearly everybody has heard of disorders like ADHD and medications like Ritalin and Adderall. But in recent years, a relatively new diagnosis has swept the child psychiatry world under its feet-the diagnosis of childhood bipolar disorder. The issue comes with wondering if bipolar disorder can actually exist in children. Many child psychiatrists point out that so-called bipolar symptoms in children relate in any way to the well-studied bipolar disorder in adults. However, the real controversy comes from the strong, powerful anti-psychotic medications used to treat it in children as young as three. These medications can have severe, sometimes permanent side effects, and their long-term effects are not known. While some medications do seem to work in the short-run, it’s unclear how they impact the developing brain over time. In this documentary, FRONTLINE PBS interviewed patients, families, doctors, and researchers to gather viewpoints on these powerful drugs new to the pediatric population.

Analysis of Rhetoric I Ethos DJ Koontz was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 4 years old and was prescribed powerful antipsychotics. His mom remarks, “If he didn’t take it, though, I don’t know if we could function as a family. It’s almost a do-or-die situation over here…He loses total control. And it’s-it’s scary. He’s had rages that’ll go half the day. He’ll even sit on the floor and howl or make almost animalistic noises. He hits himself, he hits his head on the wall. He’ll go after anyone that’s around him.”Christina (DJ’s mom) says that despite the risks, they had no other choice. 10:20-11:00 DJ’s mother’s statement makes viewers pity her when she says, “I don’t know if we could function as a family. It’s almost a do-or-die situation over here.” Viewers are inclined to sympathize with her and feel if a family’s struggles are that severe, the benefits of powerful antipsychotics virtually untested in children still outweigh the risks

Analysis of Rhetoric II Pathos Dr. Kiki Chang, Director of the Bipolar Program at Stanford University says, “I’m really excited about medications. People are so concerned about the side effects that they have on children, but one thing that people often overlook are the possible beneficial side effects, if you will.” Because Dr. Chang is in such a powerful position at a world-renowned university, his credibility makes his statements quite convincing Viewers are impressed by Dr. Chang’s credibility and possibly inclined to believe that these medication’s benefits do outweigh their risks

Conclusion Based on the success of the argument, I do believe the benefits of these medications outweigh their risks Some children require them to function in their daily lives, and most medical professionals, despite vague data and research, believe the drugs alleviate difficult symptoms in children I believe childhood bipolar disorder is very over-diagnosed Tantrums, rages, and sadness could be symptoms of child development, emotions brought about due to environmental stressors, and a combination of nature and nurture Since most children diagnosed with childhood bipolar disorder do NOT go on to have the disorder as adults, I find the term “bipolar disorder” for the diagnosis extremely questionable