Illes, Judy

Digital Document

A brief history of the science and ethics of antipsychotics of off-label prescribing -- Pharmacoepidemiology of antipsychotic use in Canadian children and adolescents -- Do we know if they work and if they are safe : second-generation antipsychotics for treatment of autism spectrum disorders and disruptive behavior disorders in children and adolescents -- Ensuring the safety of children treated with second-generation antipsychotics -- Pediatric clinical trial activity for antipsychotics and the sharing of results : a complex ethical landscape -- Pathways to overmedication and polypharmacy : case examples from adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- Implementing change in prescribing practices -- Canadian initiatives and recommendations : safeguarding the health of children and youth receiving off-label treatment with antipsychotics. --From publisher description.

Treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders: evidence, advocacy, and the Internet

Digital Document

The Internet is a major source of health-related information for parents of sick children despite concerns surrounding quality. For neurodevelopmental disorders, the websites of advocacy groups are a largely unexamined source of information. We evaluated treatment information posted on nine highly-trafficked advocacy websites for autism, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. We found that the majority of claims about treatment safety and efficacy were unsubstantiated. Instead, a range of rhetorical strategies were used to imply scientific support. When peer-reviewed publications were cited, 20 % were incorrect or irrelevant. We call for new partnerships between advocacy and experts in developmental disorders to ensure better accuracy and higher transparency about how treatment information is selected and evidenced on advocacy websites.

Rising antipsychotic prescriptions for children and youth: cross-sectoral solutions for a multimodal problem

Digital Document

The author discusses the issue of rising incidents of off-label prescribing of antipsychotic drugs to children and young people in Canada. He notes that antipsychotic drugs are increasingly being used to treat behavioral and mood disorders in children and youth and discusses the social, economic, cultural and political issues reflected in this trend. He talks about the challenges in educating the public about the danger of using antipsychotic drugs and ways of reducing off-label prescribing.

Ethical challenges in contemporary FASD research and practice: a global health perspective

Digital Document

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is increasingly recognized as a growing public health issue worldwide. Although more research is needed on both the diagnosis and treatment of FASD, and a broader and more culturally diverse range of services are needed to support those who suffer from FASD and their families, both research and practice for FASD raise significant ethical issues. In response, from the point of view of both research and clinical neuroethics, we provide a framework that emphasizes the need to maximize benefits and minimize harm, promote justice, and foster respect for persons within a global context.

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