Tufts Blogs

As a senior at Tufts, I thought my passion for psychology had already reached its peak. After years immersed in psychology courses, I felt like I had explored most of what the field had to offer. But this fall, I enrolled in a course that has completely shifted my perspective: Psychiatric Medications in Children, taught by Dr. Carolyn Knoepfler. This seminar reignited my excitement for psychology, adding a new layer to my understanding of mental health in youth–an area I didn’t realize would resonate with me so deeply.

The course title alone hints at its focused nature: understanding the effects of psychiatric medications on young, developing brains. Today, the number of children and adolescents diagnosed with serious mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, is rising. COVID has only worsened the mental health crisis, shining a spotlight on both the need for treatment and the complexity of its effects. In our seminar, we explore questions like: Are these medications genuinely effective in children? Could they permanently alter a developing brain? It’s one thing to read about psychopharmacology in adults, but seeing its impact on kids–a more vulnerable group–brings up a whole new set of ethical and medical questions.

What I love most about the class is its open discussion format. Dr. Knoepfler encourages us to ask challenging questions and dive into thoughtful debates. We tackle real-world issues, such as the increasing number of children on medications despite a societal message that ‘drugs are bad’. We examine the paradox of medication being a necessary solution for some children facing severe disorders, while in other cases, it may be over-prescribed as a ‘quick fix’ for behavioral issues.

A particularly memorable discussion revolved around bipolar disorder in children. It’s a controversial topic—are we diagnosing too quickly? Are we pathologizing normal childhood behaviors? I reflected on our class discussions and the nuances I explored in different research articles. While there are absolutely cases of genuine childhood bipolar disorder, the symptom overlap with conditions like ADHD makes misdiagnosis a real risk. The stakes are high; a misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medication with potential side effects.

Beyond these fascinating debates, Dr. Knoepfler incorporates documentaries, group discussions, and even a guest speaker. We also explore alternative forms of treatment, broadening our understanding of the approaches available for mental health, which adds depth and energy to the class. I found myself delving deeper into studies on mood stabilizers, stimulants, and antidepressants with genuine curiosity, and it struck me that this class was helping me connect the dots between theoretical psychology and its real-world implications.

Ultimately, Psychiatric Medications in Children has reminded me why I love psychology: it's a field that constantly challenges us to think, question, and comprehend. Every class brings up a new angle—whether it's the science behind medications, the ethical dilemmas, or the personal stories of children and families affected by mental illness. I can truly say that this course has challenged my assumptions, reignited my passion for learning and encouraged me to think critically about the field I want to pursue.

To both current and prospective Tufts students: whether you're already here or considering Tufts for the first time, if you have the slightest interest in psychology, this university is an exceptional place to explore it. You'll find that every course, professor, and discussion can open your mind in ways you never expected.