Renowned Child Psychiatrist Michael Winterhoff Faces Trial Over Alleged Misuse of Sedative Medication

Winterhoff is accused of prescribing unapproved long-term treatments to children, raising concerns about potential harm and ethical violations.

Michael Winterhoff, a prominent child psychiatrist and bestselling author, is on trial for allegedly causing harm by prescribing the sedative Pipamperon to children without proper medical justification.
The charges include 36 counts of dangerous bodily harm, with prosecutors alleging that the medication was used to control behavior rather than treat diagnosed conditions.
Patients and their families have reported severe side effects, including fatigue, weight gain, and motor stiffness, with claims of potential long-term damage.
Winterhoff and his legal team deny the allegations, arguing that the medications were prescribed as a last resort and that there is no definitive proof of harm caused by the treatments.
The trial, set to last 40 days, follows years of scrutiny, including a 2021 investigative documentary that spurred the case and raised questions about his practices and influence.