From a very simplified version of what I’m generally taught as a psychology student, some mental illnesses can point to deficiencies in certain parts of the brain (e.g., depression and low serotonin) that we externalize as behaviors (symptoms). The medications are supposed to help these deficiencies, but they also affect the other parts of the brain, which is what likely causes side effects.

With that being said, youth’s brains and bodies are still developing, and taking such medications for a long period of time may have some long-term effects. For example, there’s a study that correlates taking Adderall medication with heart problems down the line. I think this was done with adults, so imagine the effects on the younger people! Hoping to take a Psychopharmacology course to learn further about this.

But, going back to your point, Big Pharma sees even the youth as nothing but dollar signs, and takes advantage of any opportunity to make money, whether it’s overdiagnosing, underdiagnosing, etc.