4-year old Rebecca Riley was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder and died allegedly due to an overdose of prescription meds. The parents are on trial for her death. The trial of Carolyn Riley (Rebecca’s mom) is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Brockton Superior Court. She is accused, with her husband, Michael, of abusing the drugs Rebecca Riley had been prescribed. See “Mom’s trial in Rebecca Riley’s drug death set to begin” where you can find links to additional information about the case.

I don’t know enough about the case yet to form an opinion, but I feel sympathy for the family. I know first-hand the anguish parents feel when one of their children is struggling with mental health issues. I know how frustrating it is to place trust in a doctor and other medical professionals and have the situation worsen in response to treatment. Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with the death of a child as a result.

Of course, if the parents abused the medications, they should be held accountable. Perhaps the doctor should be held accountable, as well. But I think it’s important to keep in mind that Rebecca Riley, a 4-year old child with emotional problems and perhaps mental illness, experienced a tragic and avoidable death and that her family is experiencing a level of distress that most of us cannot imagine.

Later… just watched this clip from 2007: Katie Couric and Carolyn Riley on 60 Minutes.

Comments

This post currently has 2 comments/trackbacks.
You can read the comments or leave your own thoughts.

Trackbacks

From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (January 18, 2010)

    Last reviewed: 18 Jan 2010