Synopses & Reviews
Arguments abound about whether psychiatric medicines are over- or underprescribed, even as their use in childhood and adolescence has become commonplace. Knowing how various medicines work, their side effects and doses, will help parents understand their child's experience. And if you are considering medication for your child, the crucial question is, could it help? This book is an overview of the four groups of medicines most commonly used in child and adolescent psychiatry--for ADHD, depression and anxiety, psychosis, and mood disorders. It discusses not only the drugs but also how they work in the body, as well as the culture of today's medical practice. Kevin T. Kalikow offers measured advice on how to evaluate and treat young people with medicine and how to decide if medicine isn't the right course of action. It is essential reading for anyone who needs to wade through the complicated--and often contradictory--medical information about kids and drugs.
Review
"This comprehensive, practical guide covers a plethora of relevant topics ranging from brain physiology and psychopharmacological principles to nuts and bolts of determining the need for medication, prescribing medication for various conditions, and evaluating treatment outcome. Kalikow translates evidence-based information into everyday language that will suit the needs of a variety of audiences including prescribing physicians, psychologists, other mental health professionals, educators, and parents of children receiving treatment. This book serves a critical need in the fields of child psychiatry and psychopharmacology." George J. DuPaul, PhD, Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University
Review
" is an important resource for professionals with a non-medical background who want to understand treatment decisions made for children. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, it explains where medication fits in the context of overall treatment, demystifies the science of psychopharmacology, and provides a clear, practical, and up-to-date discussion of the disorders of childhood, treatment options, and the medications of choice along with case examples connecting to practice. This book belongs on the shelf of all school mental health professionals." Marian C. Fish, PhD, Professor & Coordinator, School Psychology Program, Queens College, CUNY
Review
"I loved this book and savored every word. It is timely, extremely relevant, and should be in every mental health practitioner's reference library. Dr. Kalikow provides rich clinical insights together with ever-changing historical perspectives as he discusses the risks and benefits of medication use in children and adolescents suffering from common psychiatric disorders. These complex issues are addressed with extraordinary clarity, compassion and wit. It's as if the reader is receiving a personal consultation with a leading expert in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry." Arlene G. Adler, PhD, Chief, Pediatric Psychology, The Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center
Review
" is a MUST as a reference tool for all practitioners working with children and adolescents. Kalikow is thorough and honest; his 'tell it like it is' approach provides detailed and crucial information to help us find out way in a complex and compelling field. I highly recommend this book!" Barbara George, MS, LCSW, Social Worker, Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, CT; Private Practice, Mt. Kisco, NY
Review
"[T]akes the reader through the history and evolution of psychopharmacology...so that the reader will be well informed when talking to professionals.... [A]n easy-to-read reference to make some sense between the facts and the art of psychiatric medicine as it affects children and adolescents." PsychCentral
Review
"[O]ffers parents crucial and often complex information in an understandable format.... Written and thoroughly researched by Dr. Kalikow, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, this is an invaluable resource for parents, clinicians and school staff to understand the use and evaluation of commonly prescribed medications and their effects on children and adolescents." More Than Just Books
Review
"[A]n invaluable resources not only for parents of children who have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, but also for those who work with children in any capacity, including educators, health care workers, and day care providers. . . . [E]asy to read and informative, providing the reader with a wealth of knowledge." Journal of Child and Family Studies
Synopsis
This book is an overview of the four groups of medicines most commonly used in child and adolescent psychiatry for ADHD, depression and anxiety, psychosis, and mood disorders. It discusses not only the drugs but also how they work in the body, as well as the culture of today's medical practice. Kevin T. Kalikow offers measured advice on how to evaluate and treat young people with medicine and how to decide if medicine isn't the right course of action. It is essential reading for anyone who needs to wade through the complicated and often contradictory medical information about kids and drugs. "
Synopsis
A popular guide for consumers about all the psychiatric drugs used with kids.
About the Author
Kevin T. Kalikow, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has been in private practice for 25 years. After attending Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Kalikow trained in General Psychiatry at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division and in Child Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is currently Clinical Assistant Professor in Child Psychiatry at New York Medical College. He also lectures on child psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Kalikow has been interviewed and quoted in numerous publications, such as The New York Times and Ladies Home Journal . He has been interviewed on radio and television, including National Public Radio's The Diane Rehm Show.