A Parent’s Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids

A simple guidebook, cowritten by three doctors, to answer all the questions caregivers have about medicating their children for mental illness

For parents and caregivers, considering psychiatric medications for your child can be scary and overwhelming as they weigh the risks and benefits. A Parent's Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids boils down the process of evaluating children and deciding whether to use medication, and then explores different classes of medications in detail, from the side effects to ongoing monitoring. Three child psychiatrists from New York's Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Alexander Kolevzon, MD; Robert Jaffe, MD; and Pilar Trelles, MD, combine their years of research and experience to deliver a straightforward, accessible Q&A guidebook for parents and caregivers.

Whether you are considering antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or medications for ADHD, depression, or anxiety, this guide empowers you to ask your provider all the tough questions to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your journey of exploring psychiatric medications for your child.