Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

How do I determine whether children and teens should take medication?
The decision to prescribe medication to children and teenagers is never taken lightly. In fact, I think it should be the last resort. Meaning, the child has tried various forms of therapy, school resources are being utilized and postive parenting programs have been tried, just to name a few of the options available that don't involve medication. If the child or teen is still having difficulty in school, at home and/or with peers, then I think it may be time to consider medication.  

What are some of the considerations I take when treating children and adolescents?
With all clients I evaluate their medical history, current medications and diagnoses. With children, I also consider anomalies in developmental stages, age, exposure to trauma, and the longevity of proposed treatment. Often I will start with a lower dose of medication for children and teens.