A Straight-Talking Introduction to Children's Mental Health Problems

Suitable for students of mental health disciplines, psychiatric service users, and carers, this book offers information that you need to make informed choices about a child's diagnosis and treatment. It offers advice on things parents can try themselves, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to find the professionals you need.

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Rates of diagnosis of psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, and the subsequent prescription of psychiatric drugs in children, have increased alarmingly over recent years. Yet diagnoses are supported by very little scientific evidence and the effectiveness and safety of drugs for children is highly questionable. Unlike medications, psychotherapeutic or 'talking therapies' with children, adolescents and their families have established themselves as both safe and effective. Here, Sami Timimi arms you with some of the information you'll need to make informed choices about a child's diagnosis and treatment. He provides an honest account of the dangers of medicating children or adolescents and discusses alternative therapies. He also describes practical advice on things parents can try themselves, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to find the professionals you need.