Does My Child Need Medication?
Episode Description
When our children are struggling with their mental health, it can be hard knowing how to help them. However, in addition to therapy, medication can be a viable and effective option for improving your child’s mental health. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, our host Tim Unsinn talks with psychiatric mental health nurse Amanda Daggett about how to know if your child needs medication, what the process is for a prescription, and how to tell if their medication is right for them.What to Expect
- When to consider medication for your child
- How to know what medication is right for your child
Resources: Learn More
- “Psychiatric Medication for Children and Adolescents: Part II—Types of Medications,” aacap.org
- “Complete Guide to ADHD Medications,” childmind.org
Things to Think About
- A full psychiatric diagnostic assessment ensures that each child is prescribed with the medicine best suited for them.
- It’s important to monitor your child when they’re taking medication, both for signs of its effectiveness and potential side effects.
- Medication providers work collaboratively with families to find the right treatment for their child.
About the Hosts
Amanda Daggett is a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She diagnoses and treats mental health disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. She strives to provide competent, high-quality, patient-centered, holistic care—which includes therapy and medication management—and work with a team of professionals to help patients achieve optimal wellness.
Transcript
Does My Child Need Medication?
Featuring Amanda Daggett, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Dakota Family Services
Tim Unsinn:
Welcome to Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services an outpatient behavioral health Clinic, located in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, North Dakota. In this podcast, I will talk with our experts about understanding and nurturing our mental health and wellness. I'm your host, Tim Unsinn. Join me each episode as we explore the intricacies of our minds, decrease the stigma of mental illness, learn practical tips for managing our mental health and wellbeing, and recognize when it's time to ask for help. Join me now to mind your mind. Welcome to this episode of Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Amanda Daggett. Amanda is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Amanda, it is great to have you on Mind Your Mind. Our topic is, does my child need medication? However, before we get to today's topic, there's a question I ask all of our guests, and that is, why do you do what you do?
Amanda Daggett:
Thank you for having me. I do what I do because I like to help people. I wanna make a meaningful difference in other people's lives and the lives of my patients and anyone that I meet a lot of nurses like to help.
Tim Unsinn:
Great answer. So today's topic again is, does my child need medication? What are some signs that I should consult a medication provider for my child?
Amanda Daggett:
If your child is having difficulty functioning, maybe they're having difficulty socializing with other children, they're having problems functioning at school, maybe in interpersonal relationships with teachers or completing their coursework, maybe they're having problems at home. So that could be outbursts or even shutting down. If you notice a change and it's hard for your child to do things, that's when it could be time to reach out to a psychiatric medication provider.
Tim Unsinn:
So, are medications safe for kids?
Amanda Daggett:
So in psychiatric medications for children, there isn't as much research as there is for adults. There's several reasons for that, and one is probably because ethically not a whole lot of parents wanna put their children in studies and worry about, you know, is my child gonna get a placebo? And they're not getting the help that they need right now, in order for us to practice safely, we like to start with medications that are FDA approved. So that means that safety and efficacy have been established. But a lot of the times we do what's called off-label prescribing, and that is just because there's not as much research in pediatrics. So children and adolescents, when we do off-label prescribing, what that means is it's not FDA approved, but there is still some research and some clinical knowledge showing that these medications do tend to work for these purposes. And generally we see that they're well tolerated when we do that, and even when we prescribe something that is FDA approved, we have to closely monitor the child because every person is different in how they respond to medications. So we make sure that the parent and the child themselves and anybody who might interact with the child, so like teachers, other family members, are aware of what the potential side effects are and also what to look for to say, Hey, this medication is working, and that's kind of how we safely prescribe.
Tim Unsinn:
Well, it sounds like communication is the key piece of that puzzle.
Amanda Daggett:
Absolutely. Communication and observation.
Tim Unsinn:
So how do I know which medication is right for my child? I'm gonna guess there's, there's quite a bit of consultation that goes into that.
Amanda Daggett:
Absolutely. So how we know what medication to use, you have to do a full psychiatric diagnostic assessment. So we have to come in and see the child. Once I see a child for the first time, I get to know them really well, I go back to their birth. Were there any complications? Were their birth, what has it been like for them growing up so far? Did they meet all their developmental milestones? I ask about, you know, medical symptoms they're experiencing medical history, family historyand then we go back to the symptoms that are bringing the child, you know, you're bringing your child in to see me. We go over all of those symptoms and we go through a full workup. After that, we can get a diagnosis and based on the specific symptoms that your child is experiencing, based on what they've tried already, maybe therapy is what they need and what we should start out with based on the diagnosis or how we can anticipate the response.
Amanda Daggett:
Sometimes we need a specific medication and that we go back to, you know, what's FDA approved, what has the most well established safety and efficacy. But in, we also work, you know, as a team with the parents, with the caregivers, with the children to just go over any options. Like maybe a family member has tried something for the same diagnosis and it's worked really well for them. And that goes back to talking about the genetics. Genetics highly influence how our body responds to medications. So knowing that family history is also a piece of that.
Tim Unsinn:
Well, I guess one of the questions I should have asked early on is we, you know, you mentioned parents in that connection talking about medications for their child, and to hear you talk about the fact that when you diagnose a child, you spend time working with them and, and it could be something as therapy versus medication. So as you work with parents, I'm gonna guess they have more questions about what is, is the medicine the last resort or the first resort?
Amanda Daggett:
Right. And that depends on what condition it is and the severity of the condition. So say a, a child comes in and it's very severe depression and they're having some suicidal ideation, you know, that's not something that we would generally say, let's try therapy first because this is severe. Then we'd look at starting medications, but there's a lot of factors that go into it.
Tim Unsinn:
Yeah. It really appreciate hearing the fact that we work with the family, we work with a child, we are trying to find out what happened to them.
Amanda Daggett:
Absolutely. One thing that I always tell patients is I work as a team with them. Like I'm here to work for them. And what we decide to do for treatment is really collaborative.
Tim Unsinn:
Amanda Daggett has been our guest on Mind Your Mind. Amanda is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Great insights into child if they need medication. Very good. Good stuff. Before we let you go though, always have that final question. And that is what do you do personally to mind your mind?
Amanda Daggett:
Great question. One thing that I like to do is I compartmentalize things. So if I'm working, if I know I'm working really hard at work, I know that I need to take some time just for myself to relax, or I schedule just time for friends. So if I'm working too hard in one area, I try to relax a little more in another.
Tim Unsinn:
There's not a wrong answer to that one. It's just more important to take care of our mind. So thank you very much. Thank you for being on Mind Your Mind.
Amanda Daggett:
Thank you for having me.
Tim Unsinn:
Thank you for joining us for Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services. For more information, links to additional resources, contact information, and much more, go to Dakota family services.org.
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Bad habits can be easy to start but sometimes very difficult to stop. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Falan Johnson talk about breaking bad habits, including where habits come from, how to know if a habit is bad, and steps you can take to stop it.;
Finding a Therapist
Are you looking for some help on your mental health journey? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Jessie Mertz talk about how to find a therapist, including what you should know when searching and what questions to ask when you meet a therapist for the first time. They also touch on what the letters after a therapist’s name mean, and how they apply to the type of services or treatment you might be looking for.;
Coping with Rejection
Whether it’s from asking someone on a date or applying for a job, we all experience rejection at some point in our lives. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how to cope with rejection, including the common coping stages, the importance of acceptance, and how rejection can impact people differently.;
Borderline Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, borderline personality disorder is a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized mental illness. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Lucas Mitzel, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about what BPD is, how it affects someone’s behavior, and where to seek treatment if your child has been diagnosed with BPD.;
Psychological Assessments: What to Expect
Do you think you might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder? If so, a psychological assessment might be able to help. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski and host Tim Unsinn talk about what to expect from a psychological assessment, including what an assessment might include, what information you might receive from the psychologist, and what you should communicate with your psychologist before and after receiving an assessment.;
Supplements in Psychiatry
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and Amanda Daggett explore the topic of using supplements for mental health. In addition to talking about some of the most commonly used supplements like melatonin and St. John’s Wort, they also discuss the benefits, the risks, and the research surrounding various supplements.;
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Community Chat Series)
Feeling like you’ve got the winter blues? If you’re noticing symptoms of depression with the change of seasons, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, therapists Christy Wilkie and Lucas Mitzel discuss the common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, how it can affect other mental health disorders, and some useful tips, tricks, and resources for managing symptoms of SAD.;
Trying New Things With Confidence
Join Christy and Lucas, therapists at Dakota Family Services, as they share practical tips for building confidence when trying new things. From managing self-doubt to building resilience, this episode will empower you to approach new experiences with a positive mindset.;
Relationships are Hard
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore why relationships can be so hard. Join them as they discuss the characteristics of both healthy and toxic relationships, talk about the difference between normal conflict and abuse, and help you discover your love languages so you and your partner can best express your love to each other.;
Is Everybody Anxious?
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore anxiety. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, what you can do to decrease your anxiety, and how to best help loved ones struggling with anxiety.;
Is Everyone Feeling Sad
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore depression. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, what you can do to help yourself feel better, and what you can do to help your loved ones. They will talk about coping strategies, therapy interventions, and ways to help you identify when your child might need extra help.;
Change is Hard
Change is inevitable. Join Christy and Lucas as they explore big and small changes and how they impact you. Learn why change can be so hard, even good change, and discover ways to manage it effectively.;
We Need to Talk About Suicide
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Christy and Lucas discuss the very important topic of suicide. Listen to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help a loved one who is struggling. Remember, you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.;
Do We Need to Get Outside?
Join Lucas and Christy as they explore the power of spending time outdoors on mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical tips, personal anecdotes, and expert insights on the benefits of getting outside and reconnecting with nature.;
Exploring ADHD
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy discuss ADHD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact on daily life. Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms and understand why your friend or loved one with ADHD does the things they do.;
Internet Safety and Mental Health
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", join our hosts Christy and Lucas as they delve into the complex relationship between the internet and mental health. With the digital age bringing information and social connections to our fingertips, it also presents unique challenges and opportunities for our safety and psychological well-being.;
Boosting Self-Esteem: From Marathons to Daily Triumphs
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", Christy and Lucas discuss how common it is for people to see themselves differently from others. Using their own personal triumphs and challenges as examples, they outline the things that shape our self-esteem. Additionally, they share simple daily practices to help listeners recognize and celebrate their own personal victories. This episode is filled with tips and engaging stories aimed at encouraging listeners to undertake challenges that foster self-growth and personal confidence.;
Therapy Unveiled: What to Know Before You Go
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Lucas and Christy talk about what it's like to begin therapy. Feeling apprehensive about starting therapy is normal, but surmountable. Together, Lucas and Christy unravel common myths about therapy and emphasize the role of therapy in disrupting negative life patterns and routines that are no longer serving you.;
Coping with the Back-to-School Blues
In the latest episode of “Is It Just Me?” Christy and Lucas tackle the transition from leisurely summer days to structured school schedules with warmth and wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance and strategies to help navigate the shift with confidence. Learn how to handle changes in routine, the importance of communication, and strategies to help the entire family adjust to and embrace the new normal. Listening to this episode can be your first step toward making back-to-school a season of growth and positive change for all.;
The Art of Overcoming Trauma
In this month’s episode of the "Is It Just Me?" podcast, Lucas Mitzel and Christy Wilkie, Dakota Family Services, dive into the complexities of trauma and its therapy. The episode sheds light on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the importance of creating a trauma narrative as a cornerstone of healing. The thoughtful discussions aim to educate listeners on the intricacies of trauma, the innovative methods used in therapy, and the role of caregivers in the recovery process. Through expert insights and compassionate storytelling, Lucas and Christy provide practical advice and real-world examples for individuals who have experienced trauma.;
Navigating Life Through Mindfulness
In this episode of “Is It Just Me?”, Lucas and Christy delve into the world of mindfulness and relaxation techniques. From body scans to mindfulness exercises, they provide a soothing experience to help you unwind and distress. Discover practical tips and advice on incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and learn how to prioritize mental well-being in today's fast-paced world.;
Mindfulness: Body Scan
In this special additional episode of “Is It Just Me” join therapist Lucas Mitzel as he gives listeners a transformative journey within their own body and mind. In this episode, Lucas guides listeners through a soothing body scan to promote calm, mindfulness, and inner peace. This episode offers a unique mixdown of gentle narration, and relaxation techniques, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to yourself.;