Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids, Third Edition

Deciding whether to give your child medication for an emotional or behavioral problem is one of the toughest choices a parent can face. Will medication really help? How long will it be needed? The doctor may say it's perfectly safe--but what about the news stories about overuse and risks? From experienced child psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Wilens, this bestselling guide has already empowered many tens of thousands of parents to become active, informed managers of their children's care. Dr. Wilens explains how medications work; their impact on kids' emotions, personality, school performance, and health; the risks and benefits of widely used antidepressants; and much more.

New in the Third Edition:
The fully updated third edition details the latest advances in treating specific disorders--with significant new information on bipolar disorder and ADHD--and offers up-to-date answers to parents' frequently asked questions.

Customer Reviews:

I wish I would have read the disclosure BEFORE buying this!

By bedrestmom - September 26, 2009

I want every person contemplating the purchase of this book to use the "search inside" tool, and click on the copyright page.
On that page you will see a box that says "Full Disclosure." PLEASE, please read it.
Dr. Wilens receives grant support from five different drug companies. In addition, he is a paid presenter for three different drug companies, and a consultant for six different drug companies.
While the information contained in this book is exhaustive, as a parent of two children with a multitude of medical and psychological issues, I find it difficult to trust his opinions and "straight talk" when I know that he is making tens of thousands of dollars a year from these drug companies.
Would he ever discourage against a particular drug when he is making money from the maker of said drug? I do not know the answer, but that bit of doubt makes me wonder.
Fortunately, in my state, we are able to search online and discover which psychiatrists take money... read more

A MUST HAVE for parents considering or using meds to treat children

By Xander's Mom - December 16, 2008

Over the last 4 years, this book has become a bible for me. We have struggled to find the right combination of medications for my ADHD, Anxious, Moody, Depressed 9 year old. When you think you have it right, they grow and need new doses or the meds stop having the same results and you have to start over again. Very objective clear information with side effects and risks listed. Don't go to the Psychiatrist or Pediatrician without it!

Indispensable Book

By TP-S - January 30, 2010

I have used this book as a critical resource for years, I purchased the third edition soon after it was available. If you have a child who is being placed on medication or if you are even thinking about it, you need this book. It is an indispensable tool for parents of children with any "psychiatric" issues, including ADHD and anxiety and more extreme conditions. Must have book in your arsenal!