A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL MISUSE AND OVERUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN DEALING WITH CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL.

     WHEREAS, an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with a variety of behavioral problems ranging from mildly disruptive behavior to serious disorders such as autism; and

     WHEREAS, depression in children is associated with social dysfunction, academic underachievement and suicidal behavior; and

     WHEREAS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is being identified as epidemic throughout the United States, with more than five percent of all children being diagnosed with the disorder; and

     WHEREAS, prescription drugs are being given to millions of school-age children to control behavior problems such as hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity and depression; and

     WHEREAS, these drugs include methylphenidate, commonly known as ritalin, D-amphetamine, commonly known as adderall, fluoxetine, commonly known as prozac, sertraline, commonly known as zoloft, isotretinoin, commonly known as accutane, and others; and

     WHEREAS, unintended side effects of these drugs can have very serious consequences, including decreased blood flow to the brain, disruption of growth hormone, addiction and abuse, psychosis, depression, suicide, insomnia, agitation, social withdrawal and worsening of the very symptoms the drugs are intended to control; and

     WHEREAS, research has shown that as many as six percent of all children taking stimulant medications developed psychotic symptoms or side effects during treatment; and

     WHEREAS, research has also shown that there is no evidence that antidepressants are more effective than placebos for depression in children and adolescents; and

     WHEREAS, antidepressant drugs have been demonstrated in trials to be effective in treating adult major depression, but these trials generally excluded children, making it unsafe to extrapolate this evidence of effectiveness to children; and

     WHEREAS, the prescribing of drugs whose chemical action can alter thinking and behavior, triggering hostility, aggressiveness and impulsivity, may pose a safety hazard greater than drugs that are obtained illicitly that are used by only a few individuals; and

     WHEREAS, a growing body of research indicates that the benefits of proper nutrition are critical in modulating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behavior, and that there is a need for supplementation of specific vitamins and minerals in these children; and

     WHEREAS, regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem and improve sleep; and

     WHEREAS, exercise is known to increase the body's production of endorphins, which reduce pain and promote a general sense of well-being; and

     WHEREAS, many factors, including advertising, promotional campaigns targeted at teachers and pressure from teachers and others lead parents to seek pharmacological treatment as a solution to managing their child's disruptive behaviors in the classroom; and

     WHEREAS, family physicians are probably the most frequent prescribers of stimulant drugs and antidepressant drugs, but do not necessarily have the experience or training to accurately diagnose behavioral health disorders;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to convene a task force to study the potential misuse and overuse of prescription drugs in dealing with children's behavioral problems in school; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include representation from the public education department, the children's health program of the university of New Mexico, pediatricians, child psychiatrists, pharmacists and others with special knowledge and experience in child health and welfare; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force identify alternative approaches to prescription medication, including nutrition and vitamin supplementation, and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these approaches; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that approaches be identified to promote regular exercise and participation in sports in schools as a way to channel disruptive behavior in more positive directions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that public outreach efforts to better educate physicians, parents, classroom teachers and school counselors about the potential dangers of prescription drugs and alternative approaches to disruptive behavior be developed; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that recommendations be developed regarding appropriate observation and examination of children prior to suggesting treatment with pharmaceutical agents; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings and recommendations of the task force be presented to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative education study committee at their respective October 2005 meetings; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the department of health, the public education department and statewide organizations representing pediatricians and psychiatrists.