Kids on medication. So much to consider!

Making the decision to medicate your child for a mental health condition is a difficult choice. Factors such as the child's age, level of impairment, cultural expectations and your own personal history all play a role in your decision. Let's not forget that everyone in your life will have their own opinion about what you should do. They will probably offer it freely!

In her New York Times article, Dr. Perri Klass discusses many of the considerations parents and caregivers often have when thinking about medicating a child. One of the most important things to consider is in which contexts the mental health symptoms are presenting. For instance, if your child experiences depressive symptoms at school but not at home or with other caregivers, there may be something in the school environment that can be altered to alleviate symptoms before medication is prescribed. It is critical to talk to people who spend a lot of time with your child including grandparents, teachers and babysitters to see how your child is when he or she is not with you.

Here are some good questions to ask others who care for your child:

1. How does my child behave towards their peers? Is he/she friendly? Is he/she withdrawn?

2. How does my child behave towards adults and authority figures? Is he/she scared? Defiant? Cooperative?

3. If there are behavioral concerns, when during the day are they happening and under what circumstances?

4. What do those behaviors look like specifically? Does the child hit others? Yell? Throw things? If someone tells you that your child is having "tantrums" ask them to be more specific because tantrums look different to each person!

Externalizing behaviors such as aggression towards others or inattention (which are common behaviors we medicate) can be rooted in frustration, anger or even grief. If you do decide upon psychotropic medication (fancy word for medications that treat mental health symptoms) for your child, consider also pairing the treatment with therapy. Underlying stressors and trauma that contribute to the behaviors can be addressed while the medication makes it possible for your child to function on a daily basis. At some point, your child may be ready to stop taking the medication and therapy will have prepared him or her with the skills they need to manage in their daily life.

You can also talk to your child about this process you are exploring, depending on their age. Children want to know their opinion is valuable and even if you do not make the decision they wanted, they know you incorporated them in the process and they will feel respected. Here are some ways to start the conversation:

(For a teenager)

"After talking with your teacher at school and noticing how hard it is for you to finish your homework at home, it seems like you are really struggling to stay focused on your tasks. I see you trying very hard. I'm wondering how you feel about trying a medication that may help you focus and pay attention." From there, be ready to answer questions to the best of your ability. Let your teenager know that a doctor's appointment will be scheduled so you both can better understand how the medications will affect his or her body and mind. You can tell your child you are also learning about this and trying to make the right choice!

(For an elementary age child)

"It is really hard for you to control your body sometimes! I made an appointment so we can talk to the doctor so that we can figure out if medication will help you stay calmer. What do you think?"

As this process proceeds, remember to be kind to yourself as a parent. You are doing the best you can for your child. The stigma around mental health issues, especially in youth is still quite powerful but if you can be less judgmental of yourself, you will be able to think more clearly about what all the options are. If you feel comfortable, talk about this with friends and family you trust. They may have gone through something similar and you can learn from them. Don't be afraid to ask the pediatrician and the psychiatrist, if you have one, everything you want to know about the medication. Do consider bringing your child to see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner before you start medications rather than getting the prescription directly from the pediatrician. At least at first. For more information about specific medications check out this article or you can do your own Google search.

Thanks for reading to the end! Stay tuned for more posts coming soon!