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It is an age of popping pills to make us feel better -- or at least different from how we usually feel. Now a lot of controversy has sprung up around extending to our children the presumed benefits of medicating mood and behavior. Dr. Diller's previous book, Running on Ritalin, helped both stir and answer some of that controversy. This latest book attempts to help parents answer the question of when or whether to medicate a child more generally, that is, when some disorder other than Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity is suggested. As a general guide regarding the questions to be asked and especially the kind of evaluation that needs to be done before deciding to medicate a child, the book is excellent. My only caveat about the book is that it may try to do too much -- Dr. Diller briefly touches on the differences between trying to discipline children and adolescents, for instance, and gives brief suggestions around behavioral programs, without giving full discussion to these topics. Click here for a long chapter excerpt that should help tell you whether the book is for you. |
