Tag Archives: medication

When should we question if our child is getting the right treatment?

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Dr. G

There’s an opportunity cost to ineffective treatment. If treatment is not helping, it’s probably hurting…if it’s preventing your child from having access to a more effective treatment.
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How long will my child need medication?

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Dr. G

We’d like to think that medication can be a temporary tool to help kids through a rough patch of development. Sometimes that’s true. Sometimes it’s not. Continue reading →

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How well should medication work for my child’s condition?

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Dr. G

Medication typically isn’t a panacea for kids and teens experiencing mental illness, and in general, the more serious the symptoms of mental illness experienced by children and teens, the lower the likelihood is that medication will lead to an ongoing remission of the child’s symptoms. Continue reading →

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Who’s qualified to prescribe medication for my child?

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Dr. G

If you’re open to considering psychotropic medication for your child or teen, you want an experienced clinician who will take the time to fully understand the nature of your child’s difficulties prior to whipping out the prescription pad. You want a clinician who appreciates the benefits and limitations of medication and is capable of recognizing situations when medication makes problems worse. You want a clinician with the time and availability to answer difficult questions when they arise. Continue reading →

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What type of evaluation should a child receive before starting medication?

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Dr. G

Parents need to feel confident that their child’s physician has truly taken the time to understand the causes of their child’s situation and considered a full range of medical and non-medical alternatives prior to moving forward with a treatment plan that includes prescription medication. Continue reading →

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How would I know if my child would benefit from medication?

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Dr. G

Given all the controversy generated by the topic of psychiatric medication for kids and teens, I’m frequently asked for guidance and direction from parents and caregivers as to when medication is necessary and appropriate. Here are some clarifying questions I share with parents to help them in their decision making process…
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Why does it seem so many kids are on medication?

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Dr. G

Should we be surprised so many kids are prescribed medication given what we know about the design of our mental health care delivery systems, our expectations for academic performance, the breakdown of so many families and the values of our culture? I think not. Continue reading →

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ADHD…DSM-5 criteria validate what’s being done in practice

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Dr. G

The most important revisions in the diagnostic criteria take into account the reality that symptoms of ADHD persist into adulthood for many with the disorder, and that the functional impairment associated with ADHD may not be readily apparent for many kids prior to the teen years. Continue reading →

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Upcoming Presentation…Ten Questions Parents Often Ask About Kids and Medication

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Dr. G

Here are the questions related to kids and medication I’m planning to discuss…
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Are teens “undermedicated” for mental health disorders?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Dr. G

There is very little evidence in this study to suggest that large numbers of teens are getting psychiatric medications that they don’t need. Continue reading →

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