SEATTLE, Wash. /CitizenWire/ -- Dozens of protesters from the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology, marched through Seattle, demanding an end to the widespread drugging of children in Washington state. They cited the dangers posed by psychotropic drugs, many of which carry black-box warnings due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.
CCHR has long warned about the potential harm of labeling inattentive and overactive children with psychiatric terms such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prescribing stimulant drugs as treatment rather than addressing the underlying causes of the behavior.
"A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry warns that high doses of ADHD drugs, particularly amphetamines like Adderall and Vyvanse, can increase the risk of psychosis or mania by more than five times," said Dr. Lauren Moran, emphasizing the need for stronger warning labels to alert the public to these dangers.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services reported in its Behavioral Health Treatment Needs and Outcomes among Medicaid-Enrolled Children in Washington State that 222,678 young people were identified with mental health needs in 2021. Of these, 136,668 received a mental health diagnosis and 78,982 of those diagnosed were on psychiatric drugs.
To raise awareness of the need for immediate action to end these and other harmful practices, CCHR brought its Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Traveling Exhibit to Seattle prior to the psychiatric convention. The exhibit documents human rights abuses in the psychiatric industry, exposing the devastating results of psychiatric drugging of children and their direct relationship with mass shootings.
After touring the exhibit, visitors commented that they now understand "the dangers" associated with psychiatric drugging:
- A mental health counselor who works with kids said he was very upset with his job, stating he gets pushed to put very young children on Ritalin and other psychiatric drugs.
- A project manager voiced concern, saying "The quick diagnosis for a quick buck is still happening. Now they are targeting our kids."
- Another individual shared: "I am an ex-user of psychiatry; being fed pills from ages 13-25 ruined my life."
Citizens Commission on Human Rights was inspired by author, humanitarian, and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard and his commitment to abolishing damaging practices in mental health.