What to Ask the Doctor About
Your Child's
Treatment
For Depression
Parents, with a little straight forward information, you can empower yourselves about your child's depression and recommended treatments, advises child and adolescent psychiatrist Sonja Randle of the UT Medical School at Houston.
First, before giving a diagnosis, it's important for the physician to perform a full biological/psychological/social evaluation:
- "Biological" means family-genetic historical information.
- The "psychological" portion highlights the stresses and innate characteristics of the patient.
- "Social" is the way in which the child functions at school, with peers, and in family relationships.
- "Medication is just one part of biological treatment," says Randle.
- Individual psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy addresses the psychological issues.
- Family therapy and school advocacy address the social aspects of treatment.
When a child is diagnosed with depression-or any other mental health condition-parents should ask the healthcare provider questions such as:
- What are the recommended treatment options?
- What are the side effects of the medication(s)?
- How will the drug help my child?
- How long must he/she be on the drug before it takes effect?
- What tests (EKG, blood tests, for example) will have to be done before he/she can start the medication?
- Will tests need to be done while my child is on this medication?
- What kind of impact will the medications have on my child's academics?
- Will he/she need support at school?
- Are there medications or foods my child should avoid while taking this medication?
- How long will my child need to take this medication? When should the medication be discontinued?
- What is the cost of the medication?
- Is there a qualitative difference between the generic and the brand version of the drug?
- What do I do if my child says to me or anyone else, "I want to die"?
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UPDATED: 11-29-2004
Dr. Sonja Randle is an assistant professor of psychiatry at UT Medical School.
See Dr. Randle also at:
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