Are you a believer in this disorder? Many people feel that as Psychiatrists, we are overmedicating children and are not utilizing non-pharmacological interventions enough.  I use to have a problem with medicating children and thought that we where over medicating patients. However, after being up close and personal with some families, I have found this to be untrue.

There is a cohort of children who need both a stimulant and antipsychotic to control their behaviors. After doing a retrospective chart review, I discovered that 88% of my current child and adolescent patients need both types of medications. Their success rate, after being properly medicated, is phenomenal. The other interesting fact is that 90% of the patients are also diagnosed with CD (Conduct Disorder) or ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). It appears that co-morbidity is the rule and not the exception.

Looking for the warning signs that your kid could have this disease?

• Failing grades
• Oppositional
• Disrespectful
• Fighting
• Acting-Out
• Irritability
• Fire-Setting

If your child consistently has 2 or more of the above signs and symptoms they should be evaluated as soon as possible by a licensed provider. Medication management may not be your first option, but it should certainly be considered in the treatment plan.

Enough Said,

Dr. O

What’s Your Current Mental Status?… Click on the link below and take Dr.O’s Mental Evaluation Screening to assess your current mental status:
http://www.drowensmd.com/index.php?option=com_php&Itemid=7