Should I Medicate My Child? Sane Solutions for Troubled Kids with and without Psychiatric Drugs [Hardcover]

Lawrence Diller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2002

When Running on Ritalin was published in 1998 it touched off a firestorm about treating children with psychiatric drugs. Dr. Lawrence Diller established himself as the leading expert on the controversial use of stimulants for attention deficit disorder. Since then, parents, physicians, teachers and psychologists, have clamored for his expertise on psychological problems beyond ADD and on drugs beyond Ritalin. More and more parents are asking the simple question: Should I medicate my child?The answer is not as simple as some "experts" say. Children who are angry, intense, distractible, over-energetic, obsessive, shy, listless, or remote rarely benefit from an either/or strategy. Unlike those with a strong pro- or anti-drug agenda, Dr. Diller advocates a balanced approach; he shows how a wise pediatrician--one who prescribes drugs but also urges non-pharmaceutical interventions when possible--makes decisions. Should I Medicate My Child? empowers parents to ask the same questions Dr. Diller poses in diagnosis and treatment: Have all non-drug approaches been tried? Is the diagnosis accurate? What's known (or unknown) about the recommended drug?Calmly comforting, authoritative, and illustrated with real-life examples, Should I Medicate My Child? is essential reading for parents who have been told their preschooler should be "tested" for a disorder, whose fifth-grader has been prescribed Prozac or Depakote, or whose teenager has been diagnosed with a "chemical imbalance." Should I Medicate My Child? features a detailed, easy-to-access Appendix of Frequently Prescribed Drugs--what they do, side effects, dosages, and more. Should I Medicate My Child? answers parents' vital questions: * Is it fair to discipline my hyperactive child if he can't help himself when he misbehaves? Choosing the right kind of discipline is essential. Often the time-honored "time-out" is not the best choice. * The psychiatrist says the medication he's prescribing is "safe." How can I know if that's true? Dr. Diller's detailed Appendix includes little-known information on how (or if) a drug has actually been tested on children. * Does it make good sense to use medication right away? Dr. Diller explains why this can sometimes be the best course of action. * My pediatrician says there are drugs that will help my shy six year old be more outgoing. Is this true? Prescribing drugs for withdrawn children is a risky business. Dr. Diller explains why and offers alternatives to help ease their distress.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Behavioral pediatrician and family therapist Diller (Running on Ritalin) presents a thoughtful and balanced discussion of the use of psychiatric medications for adolescents and children. His position is middle of the road. Medication alone doesn't solve a child's behavioral problems, he argues, and therapy and changes in discipline at school and at home sometimes can be enough in themselves. On the other hand, medication can offer some immediate relief and assist in otherwise overwhelming situations. Diller purports to cover all kinds of childhood concerns, from hyperactivity to depression and autism, but the bulk of the book deals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with other problems dealt with rather cursorily in appended chapters. This won't give parents all they need to know on ADHD-for that, Russell Barkley's Taking Charge of ADHD is a good, basic title-or any other childhood emotional disorder, but it is a good addition to a well-stocked parenting collection in medium and large public libraries.
Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This compassionate book, which includes extensive discussions of relevant psychiatric drugs and weighs benefits against side effects, will help concerned parents decide if medication is the right option for their child."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; 1 edition (April 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465016456
• ISBN-13: 978-0465016457
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,028,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every parent and teacher should be required to read this book before requesting that a child be medicated, September 16, 2010

By 

Love2Read (South Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Should I Medicate My Child? Sane Solutions for Troubled Kids with--and without--Psychiatric Drugs (Paperback)

A friend gave me this book when my child started having issues with anxiety and the doctor recommended medication. I thought for sure it was going to be pro-medication, and I almost didn't read it. But, I'm so glad I did! Dr. Diller does what every doctor should: FIRST, DO NO HARM. Before getting out the Rx pad to start a child on medication that may have devastating lifelong effects, physicians need to fully evaluate the possible causes. And, if they can't or don't have time to do this, then they should refer patients to someone like Dr. Dillar who can! He gives so many case examples, there's something just about everyone should be able to relate to. He also provides behavioral techniques and a great list of resources.

My sister was visiting from out of town and told me about a friend whose son was just diagnosed with ADHD. I shared this book with her and she couldn't put it down. I ended up giving her my friend's copy to take home with her. So, now I am here at Amazon ordering a replacement copy for my friend and one for myself. I'm sure it won't be the last! Every teacher and parent should be required to read this book before requesting medication for a child.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for parents with kids that may need meds, October 12, 2009

By 

Tristan M. Russell - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Should I Medicate My Child? Sane Solutions for Troubled Kids with--and without--Psychiatric Drugs (Paperback)

First and foremost the cost of this book was hands down great! It came into the mail looking brand new, and it really helped me understand the different signs of if kids need extra help or if they needed medicine. This book came in the mail within its estimated time. I really enjoy buying from amazon and there carriers.