Medications for childhood depression

Learn about: Medications for childhood depression from David Fassler, MD,...
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Medications for childhood depression

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Medication can be helpful for some kids as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan, but medication alone is rarely an adequate or appropriate intervention for these kinds of disorders. And as parents, I think the best advice is to get as much information as you can. Learn the benefits and the potential risks of all the treatment interventions. And everything has risks – even psychotherapy has risks. And then make the decision that is most appropriate for your child. For most kids, the research tells us, for mild and moderate forms of depression, the psychotherapy is quite effective. But if it’s not working or if the depression is more severe or if you have a child who is having thoughts about suicide that aren’t going away, then you may need to use medication earlier in the course of treatment.

Learn about: Medications for childhood depression from David Fassler, MD,...

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David Fassler, MD

Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

David Fassler, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vermont. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, he completed his training in adult psychiatry at the University of Vermont, and in child psychiatry at Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He currently serves as clinical director of Otter Creek Associates, a multidisciplinary practice providing comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Dr. Fassler is also a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont, and the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families.

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Transcription: 
Medication can be helpful for some kids as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan, but medication alone is rarely an adequate or appropriate intervention for these kinds of disorders. And as parents, I think the best advice is to get as much information as you can. Learn the benefits and the potential risks of all the treatment interventions. And everything has risks – even psychotherapy has risks. And then make the decision that is most appropriate for your child. For most kids, the research tells us, for mild and moderate forms of depression, the psychotherapy is quite effective. But if it’s not working or if the depression is more severe or if you have a child who is having thoughts about suicide that aren’t going away, then you may need to use medication earlier in the course of treatment.