What is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist?
The child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families. A child and adolescent psychiatrist uses a knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in working with patients. They have completed 4 years of medical school education, at least 3 years of approved residency in general psychiatry, neurology and medicine, and 2 years approved subspecialty fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. Although not required to practice, the psychiatrist may also be board certified. Board certification is granted after successfully passing the certification examination in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Why would my child receive medications?
Medication can be an effective part of the treatment for several psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. When prescribed appropriately by a psychiatrist (preferably a child and adolescent psychiatrist), and taken as prescribed, medication may reduce or eliminate troubling symptoms and improve the daily functioning of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric medication should not be used alone. The use of medication should be based on a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and be one part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Can medications change my child's personality?
A doctor's recommendation to use medication often raises many concerns and questions in both the parents and the youngster. Medications are aimed to improve the child's functioning and well-being. Therefore, if personality changes or other adverse effects are suspected, notify your psychiatrist.

What questions should I ask if my child is recommended to take medications?
The reasons for medication use, benefits the medication should provide, as well as possible risks and side effects and other treatment alternatives should be discussed with the patient and/or parents. Some additional questions you may want to know before starting your child on medications include:

• How will the medication help my child?
• How long before I see improvement?
• How often will the medication be taken?
• Are there any laboratory tests (e.g. heart tests, blood test, etc.), which need to be done before my child begins taking the medication?
• Will any tests need to be done while my child is taking the medication?
• Will a child and adolescent psychiatrist be monitoring my child's response to medication and make dosage changes if necessary?
• How often will progress be checked and by whom?
• Are there interactions between this medication and other medications (prescription and/or over-the-counter) my child is taking?
• How long will my child need to take this medication?
• What do I do if a problem develops (e.g. if my child becomes ill, doses are missed, or side effects develop)?
• Does my child's school nurse need to be informed about this medication?

If my child takes meds will he be more likely to abuse drugs later?
There are many medications, which are used for a variety of reasons. Although many psychiatric medications are prescribed to be taken daily, the prescribing physician is able to monitor the child or adolescent closely. If properly used, medications can reduce risk factors for later problems, including future behavioral problems, symptoms, and possibly substance use.

How can I find a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist?
Child and adolescent psychiatrists can be found through local medical and psychiatric societies, local mental health associations, local hospitals or medical centers, departments of psychiatry in medical schools, and national organizations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, pediatricians, family physicians, psychologists, school counselors, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can be helpful in identifying child and adolescent psychiatrists.