The tragic story of 4 year old Rebecca Riley here in Boston is heartbreaking. Her parents are now facing murder charges for her intentional overdose with depakote and clonidine, medications Rebecca was taking for Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. It demonstrates the extreme situations parents and clinicians can face in managing these very complicated disorders. The parent stress of dealing with mental illness in this situation lead to unthinkable behavior. Psychiatric conditions are life-threatening, by intentional and unintentional means, yet are often not given the same priority as physical medical conditions. Families need comprehensive care with close monitoring to insure they are getting all the necessary supports and the safe use of medication. Even with close follow up care there are risks, but at least our chances of identifying a problem are better with more contact.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,250482,00.html