The risk-benefit calculation for any drug assumes a correctdiagnosis of the disorder. Many investigators and clinicians feelthe current epidemic of child psychiatric disorders is largely dueto inappropriate diagnosis. Evaluate the risk and benefits of usingpsychoactive drugs in children correctly diagnosed with a disorderversus those incorrectly diagnosed with a disorder. Consider therisks and benefits of not treating (drug treatment) a child becausehe or she is not correctly diagnosed with a disorder. In yourevaluation summarize the natural course of the disorder, the drugaction on the neurotransmitter systems in question, and thelikelihood of short-term, long-term, and permanent positive andnegative effects of drug treatment. Make sure to take into accountthe ethical dimension of this risk-benefit calculation.
