This book deftly navigates the thorny subject of whether and when to
give prescription psychiatric medication to children and adolescents. A
perfect overview for parents looking for an accessible guide, this book
takes readers through the basics of diagnosis and treatment in children
and adolescents. Your Child in the Balance is chock full of a wide
variety of clinical scenarios, each demonstrating the challenges faced
by parents and professionals who are considering the use of
medication.
The book teaches the reader how to analyze the risks and benefits that
characterize all medicines and that underlie the decision to medicate.
The principles discussed in Your Child in the Balance will resonate
with parents and professionals whether they are considering Ritalin and
Adderall or Prozac and Zoloft. The use of antipsychotics, like Abilify
and Risperdal, and even holistic sleep medicines, like melatonin, are
put into an even-handed perspective, as is the question of whether
psychiatric medicines are over or under prescribed to children.
*
Your Child in the Balance* culminates with an extended story of parents
who struggle with whether to medicate their daughter, Rosie. Every
parent will identify with the emotions experienced by Rosie's parents as
they wrestle with this important decision. The book concludes with a
guide to help all parents navigate this vexing, but crucial, choice.