Customer Reviews

Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids, Third Edition

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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 from drug companies, and which do not. Again, as a parent, am I more likely to trust the psychiatric care of my children to the doctor who takes no money from drug companies, or the doctor who received over $135,000.00 last year as a "consultant" to four different companies?

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!

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!

If your child has a psychiatric condition, you know that you cannot leave your child's care entirely in the hands of a physician.

You must be actively engaged so that you can first identify a competent physician and then work as a team with that physician.

To do that, you must educate yourself about your child's condition(s). That involves participating in support groups, reading many books, and keeping careful records. You will want to learn all about lifestyle changes you and your family can make, such as with diet, exercise, and behavioral patterns.

When you need to consider medications for your child's treatment, this book is the "must-have" guide. Dr. Wilens is a highly respected researcher and author of 200 peer-reviewed articles, 60 book chapters, and much more.

I bought this book for me to read, to have a better understanding of psychotic medications with children.