1 in 13 Schoolchildren Take Medication for Behavioral Issues: CDC

A recent study shows that around 7 percent of American schoolchildren are taking at least one medication for emotional or behavioral difficulties.

According to the parents of those involved, more than half of the medications provided were effective in relieving the health issues. 

"We can't advise parents on what they should do, but I think it's positive that over half of parents reported that medications helped 'a lot,' " said report author LaJeana Howie, a statistical research scientist at the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, via a press release. 

As the American Psychiatric Association shows that just around 5 percent of U.S. children have ADHD, CDC studies have shown that more than 11 percent of American kids are now being diagnosed with this behavioral condition. 

"Although the authors don't really talk about the diagnoses, ADHD is likely the most overwhelming diagnosis. Oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety and depression are other likely diagnoses," said Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, in New Hyde Park.

Study findings were based on data provided by the National Health Interview Survey that continually collects information regarding health  in the United States. 

"Over the past two decades, the use of medication to treat mental health problems has increased substantially among all school-aged children and in most subgroups of children," report authors explained, via the release.

Findings also showed that children who came from poorer families were more likely to be medicated than more well-to-do children. 

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