Consumer Critique: Dosed: The Medication Generation Grows Up

If you're looking for a thought-provoking read this summer, consider Dosed: The Medication Generation Grows Up. I know many people who are on psychotropic medications, or who have been on them in the past, for conditions ranging from ADHD to PTSD to bipolar and more. I am neither for nor against the idea of medicating conditions. I think that for some people, medication is necessary, but I also think some people are medicated too early, too much, for too long. Dosed takes a particular look at the use of drugs in youth, and how it affects their senses of self as they grow up. I was really looking forward to reading this because as a teacher, I see a lot of kids who are on (legal) drugs who shouldn't be, or who would really benefit from medication but aren't. The book follows five children with very different stories and diagnoses, and gives a very personal look at the emotional and physical side effects of being medicated.

It's not an easy read, but it is a very valuable read, particularly if you work with people who are on medication or have been for a long time, and have never had that experience yourself. It also provides some viewpoints to consider if you're in a situation where they're being recommended for your own child.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this review.