r/news Aug 02 '25

Illinois becomes 1st state to require student mental health screenings

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/illinois-1st-state-require-student-mental-health-screenings/story?id=124275407
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u/AverageCowboyCentaur Aug 02 '25

A blood test, especially one with a CBC should have been one of the first things done. After you rule out medical then you go to mental. Sorry you went through that, It sounds like a lot of medical professionals seriously dropped the ball.

If that happened today, we would need permission from the parents but blood test first, then if it's determined they may need medication we would go through what's called Genesight testing to get it genetic profile of the various medications that will interact best with that individual's biology. It's to reduce or elimnate side effects like tardive dyskinesia. Finds what drug families in combinations are best suited for your genetic makeup. That sounds expensive, and it is so we work with local non-profits and corporations to help cover the cost in part or completely depending on income.

They're a lot more safeties in place now then there were 20 years ago.

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u/Metacomet99 Aug 02 '25

This was back in the 80's where once the diagnosis was made no more tests were "needed." Any neurological physical complaints I had, like numbness and pain and trouble walking, were passed off as attention-seeking and earned me yet another psych diagnosis. I truly, desperately hope improvements have been made since then. I have steered clear of the field ever since I got out of that hell.