Risperdal Breast Growth Problems for Boys Can Have Devastating Psychological Impact
The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent boys and young men throughout the United States who are pursuing cases against Johnson & Johnson as a result of breast growth from Risperdal, involving a condition known as gynecomastia.
This can cause the development of enlarged breasts for boys, not only causing physical changes, but also resulting in devastating psychological damage and impact on the overall quality of life. These Risperdal breast growth problems also often result in the need for surgery, which carries additional risks.
Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic developed by Johnson & Johnson for treatment of schizophrenia. However, it has been widely prescribed to children in recent years for a number of conditions, including autism and behavioral disorders.
An increasing number of boys who received Risperdal are continuing to come forward reporting that they have experienced breast growth problems from Risperdal, which can range from puffy or enlarged nipples to the full development of breasts among boys or young men.
A study published in the April 2013 edition of the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery highlights the severe psychological impact gynecomastia from Risperdal can have on adeolescent boys, which may have a lasting effect throughout their lifetime.
Researchers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons report that even mild gynecomastia can have severe emotional impacts on boys, leading to a recommendation for intervention and treatment, including male breast reduction surgery where appropriate.
While this can address much of the outward appearance of gynecomastia, the surgery does carry serious risks and could leave boys with visible and painful scars. It is also unclear what impact the breast removal surgery will have on the continuing mental health and psychological damage.
In this study, researchers point out that the effects of gynecomastia for boys is substantial regardless of the significance of the breast growth. According to the findings, boys with any degree of breast growth were found to have an impact on their:
- Quality of Life
- General Health
- Self-Esteem
- Social Functioning
- Mental Health
- Eating Behaviors
According to conclusions reached by the authors:
“Gynecomastia has a significant negative impact on primarily the psychological well-being of affected adolescent patients, specifically in regard to social functioning, mental health and self-esteem. Psychological impact was not affected by graded severity of disease. Health care providers should be aware of the psychological impairments associated with gynecomastia and consider early treatment for adolescents suffering from this condition, regardless of severity.”
Risperdal Lawsuits for Boys with Breast Growth
As a result of Johnson & Johnson’s failure to adequately warn families or the medical community about the risk of Risperdal breast enlargement, financial compensation may be available through a product liability lawsuits. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential claims for boys and young men throughout the United States who have experienced Risperdal problems with gynecomastia.
Free and confidential consultations are available to help review the legal options that may be available. To review a potential claim for yourself or a family member, Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
1 Comment • Add Your Comments
Travis says:
I had suegery on my left breast, it really sucked dealing with it.
Posted on October 30, 2014 at 8:27 am