|
|
|
|
Our Outlook on Medication
Parents often ask about our experience with medicating children. The decision whether or not to use medication is a difficult one for parents, children, and clinicians. In our experience, we find that it is most helpful for a child to "look inside" to develop inner controls that will be long-term resources, rather than becoming reliant on medication. While we do not prescribe medications through our clinic, for children already on medications we are available to work with families and with the prescribing doctor. Over the years, we have worked with many children who were taking psychiatric medications and whose parents sought a complimentary or alternative treatment that could reduce or alleviate their use. Following are some of the concerns that parents, children, and we have encountered regarding the use of medication with children: · Medication can have the effect of dulling a child’s feelings, interactions, and perceptions. · Medication can interfere with a child‘s ability to accurately understand the emotions of others. · A child relying on medication to manage intense feelings does not have the same opportunity as a child using a talking therapy to develop age-appropriate ways of coping with inner and outer stresses. · Medication can interfere with a child’s ability to develop long-term coping strategies to manage behavior and feelings. · Reliance on medication over time can leave a child more susceptible to the use of socially unacceptable or illegal drugs when faced with the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. · Many parents and professionals remain highly concerned about the long-term effects of exposing a developing child to psychiatric medications, particularly ones not approved for use with young age groups. In our work with children, we have noted that American children are medicated far more frequently for behavioral and emotional difficulties than children in other countries. It is important to state that research on the use of psychiatric medication with children is still emerging and is often financed by pharmaceutical companies. Again, we understand the decision on whether or not to use medication in the treatment of children is difficult. In our view, using medication can only address immediate behavioral problems. By engaging in a talking therapy that is supported by parents, children have the opportunity to address underlying causes and to develop coping skills that will serve them throughout their lives. |
|
Send mail to
ddewalt@hannaperkins.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
