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christian counseling today
Vol. 20 no. 2
A
Psychiatric treatment of children and adolescents requires close attention to
medication evaluation and management. These steps involve determining
the appropriate medication for a particular patient, ensuring compliance
with prescription protocols, and following suitable measures for changing
or stopping medications.
Medication evaluation and management are just one part of a patient’s
comprehensive treatment plan. Other components comprise of a thorough
psychiatric evaluation, individual and/or family counseling, and positive
lifestyle changes, as well as communication between all members of a treat-
ment team. The treatment team can include, but is not limited to, parents,
counselors, educators and other clinicians/professionals (e.g., occupational
therapists, social workers, play therapists, nutritionists, etc.)… all dedicated
to helping the patient cope with conditions and improve daily functioning.
A biopsychosocial evaluation usually consists
of interviews with the patient and parents, as well
as information from educators and other health-
care providers. Physical examination, medical
consultations, laboratory tests, and psychological/
educational testing may be necessary to deter-
mine differential diagnosis (systematic method)
and the presence of any underlying comorbid
medical and/or psychiatric conditions. Obtaining
an accurate clinical picture is necessary to deter-
mine specific treatments for each aspect, because
medical conditions, psychiatric symptoms, and
psychosocial/educational factors can affect each
other and the patient. The treatments, likewise,
may enhance or interfere with each other, so
Edward John Kuhnley
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five young people
aged three to 17 suffers from a mental illness. The most common mental illnesses among
children and adolescents include Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (6.8%),
conduct disorders (3.5%), anxiety disorders (3.0%), depression (2.1%), and autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) (1.1%). Additionally, many suffer from comorbid conditions, meaning that
a single individual may have two or more disorders. Each diagnosis may require different
medication strategies.
Psychiatric
Medications for
Children and
Adolescents
