Updating and expanding his popular guide, Dr. Timothy Wilens provides essential advice for parents facing tough choices about whether or not to give a child medication for emotional or behavioral problems. Packed with frequently asked questions, examples, and charts, the book explains which medications are prescribed for kids and why; their effects on health, emotions, and school performance; what parents can do to maximize their benefits; and when to consider other treatments instead.

Revised Edition Coverage Includes:

• New ways of dealing with side effects and protecting kids' safety
• Advances in treating specific disorders
• New and longer-acting medications that make administration easier
• Emerging research on long-term benefits and risks
• Tips for saving money on prescriptions
• Legislative and health care changes that affect children's treatment

Reviews

"A godsend for parents looking for answers. Wilens takes the mystery out of medication."
-Time

"An informative guidebook....The author's straight talk about medications will help parents become 'informed collaborators' in their child's psychiatric care."
-Publishers Weekly

"Even the best doctor cannot spend enough time explaining to each parent all of the information this book presents."
-Parent Council

"Filled with helpful tables and charts, definitions, commonly asked questions, and sources for further information and support."
-Library Journal

"Our students appreciate Straight Talk for its practical information presented in a well-organized, question-and-answer format. Students repeatedly indicate that the book is a definite 'keeper' for their resource libraries."
-DeDe Wohlfarth, PsyD, Department of Psychology, Spalding University

Contents

Introduction