Critical Child Psychiatry

Abstract

Prescriptions of psychotropic medication to children and adolescents have shown a phenomenal increase in most Western countries (see below). To help understand how this came about, the cultural and political context that leads to medicalising social problems is examined. I propose that a perceived crisis of a social and moral nature, in Western countries, in relation to the cultural task of child rearing is an important factor behind this trend. Historically, the biggest changes in our beliefs about children and child rearing occur at times of perceived crises with regard to children. I argue that such a perceived crisis is occurring in Western society at present, creating favourable cultural conditions for the medicalisation of childhood problems, despite the lack of evidence to support such a construction. Looking at our changing constructions of childhood implies that the meaning we give to children’s behaviour, changes over time (and is likely to continue to do so) making the idea that we know what a universal ‘normal’ childhood is, suspect. Given the political and economic power of Western states, there is a danger that ideas and practices we in the West are constructing are then being inappropriately exported worldwide. Thus a critical approach to understanding our professional practice requires us to consider the impact of our work on, not only the clients we see, but also on the broader culture locally and globally. Alternative approaches for practitioners are suggested.