Tag Archives: medication in kids

The Pros and Cons of Medication for Kids

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Dr. G

We’re looking back at our ten most popular blog posts from 2012. Here’s #4… The widespread use of medication among children with mental health disorders is the ultimate “hot-button” topic in our field today. Undeniably, the use of such medications … Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Controversies, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ritalin Gone Wrong? What’s a Parent to Believe?

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Dr. G

Kids with ADHD don’t need stories in the news media unnecessarily fueling the fears of parents about the safety or effectiveness of medication they give to their kids struggling with a significant disability. Continue reading →

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Hot Topics: Are Antidepressant Medications Safe For Kids?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Dr. G

Few topics in child and adolescent mental health have generated as much controversy over the last decade as the debate about the safety of antidepressant medication given to kids. In 2004, the FDA issued a “black box” warning claiming that antidepressant use in children and teenagers is associated with increases in suicidal thinking and behavior, which was expanded in 2007 to include adults between the ages of 18 and 24. In my opinion, the larger controversy about antidepressant use in children and teens is not “are they safe?” but “do they work?” and if they work, what do they work for? Some of those questions were addressed here.
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Ritalin Gone Wrong? What’s a Parent to Believe?

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Dr. G

Kids with ADHD continue to struggle relative to their peers without ADHD over time. They need lots of ongoing help and support. They need access to cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy from competent and effective clinicians. They need schools with the flexibility to provide accommodations to help all kids maximize their potential. They need stable environments and supportive families. They don’t need stories in the news media unnecessarily fueling the fears of parents about the safety or effectiveness of medication they give to their kids struggling with a significant disability. You can’t use a study that wasn’t designed to demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of stimulant medication to claim that such medication is ineffective.
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How Many Kids (and Parents) are Taking Medication?

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Dr. G

More than one in five adult residents of the U.S. currently take medication for a mental health disorder, including more than one in four women. More boys than girls are on medication, but the rate of increase in the use of medication is greater in girls than boys. Continue reading →

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The Pros and Cons of Medication for Kids

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Dr. G

Bottom line…Medication in the hands of an appropriately trained physician can be one instrument God uses in responding to prayers for a child with a serious emotional or behavioral disorder. In the same way, God may use a physician who’s not necessarily a Christian to bring about healing Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Controversies, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments