There is much controversy regarding the issue of treating children with potent psychotropic drugs. Psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder, once thought to affect only adults, are now being diagnosed in children, and those children, in most cases, are now being treated with medications. The number of children being diagnosed and treated with psychotropic drugs has rapidly increased in recent years. A report published by Medco Health Solutions in 2010 states that the number of children prescribed psychotropic drugs doubled from 2001 to 2010. Psychotropic drugs can be defined as "any drug that can affect the mind, emotions, and behavior " (medicine net). The classes of psychotropic drugs are; Stimulants, such as Adderall, prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, antidepressants, such as Prozac, prescribed for depression, antipsychotics such as Haldol, prescribed for behavioral disorders, and mood stabilizers, such as Depakote, prescribed for bipolar disorders. These drugs have been shown to “stun growth, cause obsessive behavior, suppress spontaneity, and cause children to become depressed and less sociable” (Breggin, 2009). This article will discuss what research suggests about the potentially negative effects of these drugs on a child's physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Additionally, this article will also look at the potential reasons why these drugs are increasingly being prescribed and the alternative treatments for some of the psychological disorders for which these types of drugs are prescribed. Most children, by nature, are very active, spontaneous and moody. However, many parents turn to a psychiatrist... half of the document... Conclusion: More research is constantly being conducted on the safety and effectiveness of the use of psychotropic drugs by children. However, time will actually show whether these types of drugs will prove to be completely beneficial to those who have taken them, or whether they will end up hindering healthy development and causing irreparable long-term damage. If parents take the time to research the results of studies already conducted on these drugs, together with their child's doctor, they can make more informed decisions about what the best approach might be to help their child who may be experiencing psychological problems. . Through the use of alternative treatments such as behavioral training or psychological counseling, parents may realize that medications are not the only way to relieve the symptoms of a child's psychological disorder..