NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT AND EDUCATION

SIMON EPSTEIN, M.D.
91 STRAWBERRY HILL AVE. #140
STAMFORD, CT 06902
203-348-8579

Monthly NewsNotes

Monthly NewsNote

January 2006

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Top Ten Parents’ Concerns about Medication

Very often referrals for ADD treatment and evaluation come from non-medical therapists. So when the parents arrive at the doctor’s office they naturally have concerns and questions, many relating to the use of medication. Following are ten of the concerns that I have found are the most common as I have started to work with a new patient.

1. There’s something wrong with my child.
2. I’m worried about my child being on medication.
3. I’m concerned about side effects I have read about on the internet or heard about from my neighbors.
4. Will medication help with social skills or interpersonal relationships? (Will other kids play with them and invite them to parties?)
5. I’m concerned about tension at home because I want to give my child medication but my spouse doesn’t.
6. How long will my child have to be on medication?
7. How do I explain to my child why they’re taking medication?
8. Are there alternatives (nutrition, etc) so we don’t have to use medication?
9. Will medication help control some of my child’s behavior so I can give more attention to the rest of the family?
10. Could other members of the family have undiagnosed ADD?

Clearly, not every concern applies to every case. However, most parents have several of these concerns, though they don’t often express them. That makes it even more important for the prescribing doctor to review the potential concerns, even if the parents have not brought them up. I’ve found that the actual prescribing of medication is easier for parents and the prescribing doctor if these concerns have been discussed ahead of time.

The above list is just a guide, but being aware of the items mentioned will be very helpful for all involved.

Feel free to print out this list. Write down your questions for the doctor and bring a notepad so you can jot down the answers and review them when you get home.

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