Lecture to focus on medication and behavioral disorders in children

By Alec Jennings
University News Service
January 28, 2009

The Texas State University-San Marcos Educational Administration and Psychological Services Department will host a lecture discussing issues surrounding pharmacotherapy for children.

Tom Kubiszyn, professor and director of training, School of Psychology, University of Houston, will talk about the practice of prescribing medication to treat emotional and behavioral problems in children, a controversial topic which has become more prevalent in recent years.

"Over the past several years, medical professionals have been increasingly prescribing medications to children to treat depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, hyperactive disorder, and other problems," said Jon Lasser, associate professor of psychology at Texas State.  "Questions have been raised about the safety of these medications and possible side effects."

Kubiszyn is involved in the American Psychological Association's Division of School Psychology (Division 16), has contributed a significant amount of literature and study to the field of psychology and education and is highly regarded as an expert in the study of pharmacotherapy for children.