Therapy Tips on Whether Medication is Right for Your Family
While medication is a solution to mental health conditions, it’s not the only solution. The decision to consider psychiatric medication for your child is a complex one that should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Just as much as it can benefit your child, it can also be a detriment.
At Decade2Connect, our Child Therapy services can provide professional support and guidance in navigating treatment options, including the consideration of medication, for children with mental health challenges.
Sometimes a medication can impact development, numb emotions and come with uncomfortable side effects. Taking these possible side effects into consideration, there are also great benefits to medicating your child, giving them support and improving their quality of life.
There’s no “one size fits all” approach to medication and it’s important to navigate this discussion with an open mind. If your child has a diagnosis of one of the following mental health conditions, it may be appropriate to consider medication:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD medication contains stimulants that can help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in children with ADHD.
Anxiety disorders: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce symptoms of anxiety in children, symptoms that may usually feel uncontrollable.
Depression: Antidepressants can be helpful for children with depression, especially when combined with psychotherapy. If psychotherapy on its own isn’t effective, medication may be a beneficial next step.
Bipolar disorder: Mood stabilizers can help manage the manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
As you and your child navigate through this medication journey, it’s important to be continually in tune with your child’s response to the medication, as well as teach them to understand what does and doesn’t feel good in their body. If they say they feel worse after taking medication, trust them as you search for another option. The conversation is ongoing and when you involve your child, they will learn how to advocate for themselves, as well as trust their body.
Ultimately, the decision to consider psychiatric medication for your child is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of medications and treatment options – it’s through this exploration that you and your family will find a solution that brings hope and harmony to the whole family.
