Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications for Kids

Deciding whether to give your child medication for an emotional or behavioral problem may be the toughest choice you'll ever face. Will medication really help? How long will it be needed? Your doctor may say it's perfectly safe - but what about all those news stories about overuse and risks? Psychiatric medications are increasingly being used to treat a variety of common child and adolescent problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and Tourette's syndrome. But when your son or daughter needs help, you need more than a brief consultation with the doctor--and more than a prescription slip. You need answers you can count on. That's why Dr. Timothy Wilens has written this comprehensive, up-to-date, and readily accessible guide. In this revised edition, Dr. Wilens combines the latest knowledge science has to offer with practical tips gleaned from his work with thousands of children and parents. You get the kind of balanced guidance that will help you truly understand your doctor's recommendations and make informed decisions about what's right for your child. It's all here: * When medication is the first-line choice, and when to consider other treatments instead * Specific medications and how they work, including generic and brand names, recommended uses, and dosages * What the research says about safety and effectiveness * Side effects to watch for, and what you can do to reduce them * What kinds of benefits to expect from treatment * How to monitor your child's progress and keep a treatment log * What to do if the regimen you're trying doesn't seem to be working * When to ask about a different medication or dosage--or seek a second opinion The more information you have at your fingertips, Dr. Wilens shows, the better you can manage your child's care. But all information isn't equal: clear advice on separating fact from myth (and marketing) will help you filter out unsubstantiated claims when doing your own research online. You also receive a plethora of wise, compassionate suggestions for talking to kids about medication use, addressing any worries they may have about treatment, and safeguarding their privacy at school. A trusted practitioner at one of the nation's top centers for child psychiatry, Dr. Wilens is uniquely suited to answer parents' most frequently asked questions. From deciding whether to use medication to managing your child's ongoing care, this book guides you every step of the way. [in box at end of copy:] New in the Revised Edition * New ways of dealing with side effects and protecting kids' safety * Advances in treating specific disorders * New and longer-acting medications that make administration easier * Emerging research on long-term benefits and risks * Tips for saving money on prescriptions * Legislative and health care changes that affect children's treatment * And much more!