A Parent’s Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow

Psychiatrists Kolevzon (Psychiatry History Taking), Jaffe, and Trelles employ a q&a format to explore the considerations of starting children on psychiatric drugs in this useful manual. Bullish on drugs’ utility, the authors contend that “the long-term benefits of successfully treating emotional and behavioral health disorders profoundly outweigh the risks” and instill confidence in medications’ safety by detailing the FDA approval process for new drugs. The guidance focuses on treatments for ADHD, mood disorders, and psychosis, covering how various drugs work, factors to consider before starting them, and their side effects. For instance, Kolevzon, Jaffe, and Trelles explain that stimulants prescribed for ADHD regulate dopamine levels in the brain by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter, that children with heart problems should undergo testing before starting stimulants because of the drugs’ tendency to increase heart rate and blood pressure, and that some patients may become more withdrawn or anxious while taking stimulants. The succinct, jargon-free wisdom will help parents decide what’s right for their kid, though Kolevzon’s disclosure of extensive ties with some of the biggest names in the pharmaceutical industry raises questions about his neutrality. Still, this informative resource is worth a look. (Mar.)