Does My Teenager Need Psychiatric Medication?

1. Clearly outline the reasons you are thinking medication may be helpful . It is often helpful to keep a log of your child's moods or behaviors that will help clarify what the concerns are, how long they have been occurring, how long they last each time they are present, how often they are occurring, what the response is, etc.
2. Look online to gather preliminary information. The internet is a great resource for information gathering and to begin to inform you about what your child may be experiencing, however, remember that each situation and child is different so don't use this as your only source of information.
3. Speak with a professional . Many parents will use their teenager's Primary Care Physician as the first professional they speak with. These individuals can be great resources for general information about what your child may be experiencing and can begin to educate you about what medications may be available if they feel they may be warranted. They may also refer you to have your child meet with a therapist (you should look for a licensed therapist who has experience working with children and teenagers) and / or a psychiatrist.
4. Therapist or Psychiatrist ? Many times people are confused about these two roles. A very simple explanation is this Therapists provide therapy or counseling and cannot prescribe medication, however, they are usually knowledgeable to some degree about medications as they relate to symptoms in general. Psychiatrists are extremely knowledgeable about medications but may not also do therapy which can be very helpful in addressing many issues with teenagers. Often times therapists and psychiatrists work as a pair to best meet the needs of individuals who may benefit from both therapy and medication.
5. Get more than one opinion . It is perfectly reasonable to get more than one opinion about the decision to have your teenager use medication. If something does not make sense, you should not hesitate to ask for clarification.
6. Make sure your teenager is informed . It is really important that your teenager understand what is taking place if you do decide to move forward with therapy and / or medication. This can be very scary for them or may make them feel "abnormal" which can result in resistance, sadness or anger. Being able to work with professionals who are sensitive to this will be critical for your teenager.