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January 30, 2007

Mental Health Research on Non-Drug Treatment Calls for Family Supports

"Parenting as Therapy for Child’s Mental Disorders," (NYT, 12/22/06) reports on alternatives to the focus on medication as the first OR only treatment for children with behavioral problems. But parents must be at the center of the planning and receive sufficient supports and planning.

As a parent says, "…what I would say is that if you are willing to take on the responsibility of extra parenting, you can make a big difference," said Ms. Popczynski, an interior designer. "I compare parenting to driving. We all learn pretty quickly how to drive a car. But if you have to drive a Mack truck, you're going to need some training."  In the article Benedict Carey discusses mental health treatment for children and youth that does not include medication.

"…the science behind non-drug treatments is getting stronger. We are at a point where families who bring in a child ought to get a Chinese menu of treatments that are backed by some evidence, including not only medication but psychosocial or family interventions," says Dr. John March, a child psychiatrist at Duke University. "Not to do so when we know some of these therapies work is, in my opinion, simply unethical. Then let the family choose which one they want."