Rebecca Riley

Rebecca Riley was a young girl from Massachusetts whose death in 2006 brought significant attention to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in children. Her case raised questions about the use of psychiatric medications in young children and the responsibilities of healthcare providers and parents.

Early Life

Rebecca Riley was born in 2002 in Massachusetts. She was the youngest of three children in her family. From an early age, Rebecca exhibited behaviors that concerned her parents, who sought medical advice.

Diagnosis and Treatment

At the age of two, Rebecca was diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a psychiatrist. This diagnosis was controversial due to her young age. She was prescribed several medications, including clonidine, valproic acid, and Seroquel, to manage her symptoms. These medications are typically used to treat mood disorders and other psychiatric conditions.

Death

Rebecca Riley died on December 13, 2006, at the age of four. Her death was attributed to an overdose of prescription medications. The autopsy revealed that she had high levels of clonidine in her system, along with other medications.

Legal Proceedings

Following Rebecca's death, her parents, Michael and Carolyn Riley, were charged with her murder. The case went to trial, and both parents were found guilty. The trial highlighted issues related to the over-medication of children and the role of parents and doctors in managing psychiatric conditions.

Impact and Controversy

Rebecca Riley's case sparked a national debate about the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in young children and the use of psychiatric medications. Critics argued that such diagnoses were being made too readily and that medications were being prescribed without sufficient oversight. The case also led to discussions about the responsibilities of healthcare providers in monitoring the effects of medications on young patients.

Related Pages

• Bipolar disorder in children
• Psychiatric medication
• Child psychiatry
• Medical ethics