As a parent, it can be difficult to make the decision of whether medication is an appropriate step to take when your teen is struggling with mental health. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD can interfere with a teen’s daily life and sometimes medication is necessary to help manage these symptoms. Here’s what parents need to know when seeking to determine if medication is right.
When Should You Consider Medication?
We typically consider medications when mental health symptoms are seriously impeding your teen’s ability to function at school, at home, or in social situations. If symptoms like continuing sadness, anxiety, or distractibility don’t get better with therapy or lifestyle changes, medication can be helpful.
For severe symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, medication might be something to consider more urgently. Less serious problems may also be addressed first with therapy, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, with medication as an additional option if such measures fail to bring relief.
The Role of Medication
Medications remedy imbalance by adjusting chemicals in the brain that play a role in mood, behavior, and thinking. For instance, the anti-depressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) can help to control serotonin levels, enhancing mood and minimizing anxiety. For teens with ADHD, stimulants like Adderall or non-stimulants like Strattera can be useful for focus and impulse control.
Medications aren’t a “cure” for mental health conditions, but they can alleviate symptoms so that youths are better able to follow through with therapy and learn healthy tools to cope with the daily rigors of life.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Pros:
Medications can relieve symptoms relatively quickly, sometimes within weeks.
They can contribute to the efficacy of treatment, especially for severe symptoms.
Medications can enhance quality of life, allowing teens to concentrate on school and social activities.
Cons:
Potential side effects include headaches, disrupted sleep, altered appetites, and temporarily worsened symptoms.
Teens may be ashamed or alienated about needing a psychiatric medication.
Though effective, medication is most helpful when used in combination with therapy and other supportive tactics.
Discussing Medications with Your Teen
Your teen should have a say in what their plans are. Describe how the medication works, its benefits, and side effect potentiality.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re not sure whether medication is appropriate for your teen, seek advice from a health care provider. A mental health provider can evaluate your teen’s symptoms and suggest a treatment plan that may include medication if appropriate.
If previous medications have proven ineffective or if there are concerns about potential side effects, a genetic test is available to help providers assess how your genetic profile may influence the efficacy and sensitivity to side effects of psychiatric medications. To learn more, visit Genesight, or schedule an appointment with us to talk about the potential benefits.
Whether or not to add medication as a support for your teen is a tough decision which needs careful consideration. Medication for mental health can be helpful but tends to work best in collaboration with therapy and other forms of support. You can help steer your teen toward better mental health if you stay informed and engaged with their care.
If you are considering medications to improve your teen or young adult’s mental health, reach out to us to schedule a visit with us through our contact form or by phone or text at 408-389-3538.
About the Author
I’m Jasmin Bergado. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide empathetic, evidence-based, and holistic mental health care. With a strong foundation in psychiatry and a deep appreciation for each person’s unique story, my approach is strength-based and trauma-informed, focusing on resilience and creating a safe and affirming space. Collaborating with therapists and other professionals, I prescribe medication when appropriate, working together with my clients and their families to develop a treatment plan that truly fits their needs.