Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scrutinizing psychiatric medications as part of his review of childhood chronic diseases, arguing they are overused and addictive. Psychiatrists strongly dispute this, saying the real issue is limited access to these essential treatments.
Kennedy’s commission will examine psychiatric drugs, vaccines, and environmental factors, with a report due in 100 days. Experts warn his rhetoric—such as linking antidepressants to addiction and violence—misrepresents research and could discourage necessary treatment for children.
While Kennedy could push for changes in drug regulations, decades of evidence support the safety of medications like Prozac. Mental health professionals stress that restricting these drugs would worsen already limited treatment options for young patients.
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