PART III OF A SERIES
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH: A NATIONAL FAMILY GUIDE
SUBMITTED BY SPAN ADVOCACY NETWORK
Editors Note: The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network has recently updated its National Children's Mental Health Family Guide and have provided it to EP Magazine for publication in a multi-part series. SPAN is here to support you in making the important decisions needed to
ensure that your child with mental health challenges receives the services and supports needed for the best life possible. Connect with SPAN at 800-654-7726, online at spanadvocacy.org , on Facebook at @parentadvocacynetwork , and on Twitter at @SPANadvocacy
MEDICATIONS : GUIDES ON MEDICATION USE AND FINDING BALANCE
Medication use is a personal decision. Families need to realize, however, that mental illness is "biologically based." Families may also be concerned about the "black box warnings" on certain medications for children. The warning, although warranted, has predictably lowered the amount of certain prescriptions; however, there must be recognition that untreated depression is the highest risk factor for suicide. There are some excellent guides on medication use which should help parents, which also address this issue of balance.
NAMI'S FAMILY GUIDE ON ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
nami.org/caac/depression/familyguide"
Includes information about treatment, medication, and the "black box warning." It includes good questions to ask providers such as:
- What are the benefits vs. the risks of the medication?
- What are the side effects of the medication?
- How can the child be involved in the decision-making process?
PARENTS MED GUIDE
A series of guides endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry:
- The ADHD Parent's Medication Guide is available in English and Spanish.
- Parent's Medication Guide for Bipolar Disorder is only available in English.
- Depression: Parents' Medication Guide is only available in English.
NYU LANGONE HEALTH
med.nyu.edu/departmentsinstitutes/child-adolescent-psychiatry
NYU Medical Center has a listing of different types of medications for children's mental illness and their uses.