How do mood disorders and treatments affect children?
Many mood disorder medications used for adults are prescribed for children. If your child has a mood disorder, make sure he or she is being treated by a doctor who has experience treating mood disorders in children. Much has been written about the use of certain types of depression medication in children and adolescents and the possibility of increased risk of suicide. Families and physicians must make informed decisions that compare benefits and risks of all treatment options. Treatment involves more than taking a medication. Parents must monitor their children’s moods and behaviors and develop a close working relationship with their child’s health care provider that includes regular follow-up appointments.
