Navigating the Fears of Medicating Children for Mental Health Concerns: Exploring the Benefits of Therapy and Medication
Choosing medication for your child's mental health problems is a significant decision. According to the CDC, approximately 7.4% of children aged 3-17 take medication for mental health conditions. Studies indicate that 50-70% of these children show improvement with proper medication management. While medication can be effective for many, around 60% of parents express concerns about potential side effects and long-term impacts. Balancing these factors is crucial in making an informed choice.
While therapy is often the first line of treatment for many mental health issues, some parents may be hesitant to consider medication due to concerns about its potential side effects and long-term consequences. As therapists, we support a positive relationship between families and their prescribers to ensure the best medical decisions for their children.
As therapists, it is outside our scope of practice to give any recommendation on pharmacology choices specific to an individual. It is the most beneficial when we are able to coordinate and communicate openly with a prescriber, usually a medical doctor (psychiatrist) or nurse practitioner. This way we can share some of the signs and symptoms impacting the person we are working with to help the prescriber make an informed decision. We also welcome interaction with the prescriber if medication is chosen to help discern the impact the medication has on the mental health problems someone is facing.
The Benefits of Therapy
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a talk-based treatment that can help children address a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where children can express their feelings and emotions, and learn coping strategies to manage their mental health.
Some of the benefits of therapy include:
1. Improved communication skills:
Therapy can help children develop better communication skills, which can improve their relationships with family members, friends, and teachers.
2. Emotional regulation:
Therapy can teach children how to manage their emotions in a healthy and productive way, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
3. Problem-solving skills:
Therapy can help children develop problem-solving skills, which can improve their ability to handle challenges and stressors in their daily lives.
4. Self-esteem and self-worth:
Therapy can help children build their self-esteem and self-worth, which can improve their overall mental health and well-being.
The Benefits of Medication
Medication can also play a crucial role in addressing mental health concerns in children. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for children with mental health issues.
Some of the benefits of medication include:
1. Rapid relief of symptoms:
Medication can provide rapid relief of symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, which can help children feel better quickly.
2. Improved sleep:
Medication can help children improve their sleep patterns, which can have a positive impact on their overall mental health.
3. Reduced risk of suicide:
In some cases, medication can reduce the risk of suicide in children who are struggling with mental health concerns.
Mutually Exclusive or Complementary?
While therapy and medication are often seen as mutually exclusive treatment options, they can actually complement each other quite well. In many cases, therapy can help children identify the underlying causes of their mental health concerns, while medication can provide rapid relief of symptoms. By combining therapy and medication, parents can provide their child with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of their child. This is not always the case, but should not be overlooked when trying to identify the best treatment path for a person, especially a child.
Concerns About Side Effects and Long-Term Consequences
It is understandable that parents may have concerns about the side effects and long-term consequences of medication for their child. However, it is important to remember that the vast majority of medications used to treat mental health concerns in children are safe and effective. In addition, many medications are designed to have a minimal impact on a child's brain development, and can be discontinued once the child's symptoms have improved.
It is also important to note that therapy can have long-term benefits for children, including improved communication skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. There are a lot of emotions and milestones that every child experiences and working with someone can help provide a roadmap for navigating along the way.
By working with a mental health professional, parents can make informed decisions about the treatment options that are best for their child, and help their child develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their mental health. Phases Virginia is available to explore treatment options for your child.