Should you medicate your child for ADHD, anxiety, depression or another mental health condition? It is one of the most common and emotionally loaded questions parents ask. In this episode, registered psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the fears, guilt and uncertainty many families experience when medication is suggested as part of their child's treatment plan. Drawing on listener questions and years of experience working with children, teenagers and families, Breanna discusses how parents can make informed decisions while keeping their child's wellbeing at the centre of the conversation. This episode explores the stigma surrounding mental health medication, the impact of untreated ADHD and anxiety, and why treatment decisions should focus on a child's functioning and quality of life rather than fear alone. Breanna also discusses the importance of therapy, parenting strategies, school supports, sleep, exercise and other interventions that form part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Whether you're currently weighing up medication for your child or simply want to better understand the conversation, this episode offers a balanced, compassionate and evidence-informed perspective for parents. In This Episode We DiscussThe guilt, fear and stigma surrounding children's mental health treatmentADHD medication: common concerns and misconceptionsAnxiety medication in children and teenagersThe difference between treating symptoms and changing personalityWhy untreated mental health conditions also have consequencesHow ADHD can impact school performance, friendships and self-esteemThe hidden costs of untreated anxiety and school refusalWhat parents should consider before starting medicationThe importance of therapy, behavioural strategies and family supportWhy medication should be part of a broader toolbox, not the only solutionQuestions every parent should ask their doctor or paediatricianA real parent story about navigating ADHD medicationHow to keep your child's voice at the centre of treatment decisionsKey Takeaways✔ Medication is not about changing who your child is. It is about reducing barriers that may be preventing them from learning, connecting and thriving. ✔ Mental health conditions should be viewed through the same lens as physical health conditions. Seeking treatment is not a parenting failure. ✔ The decision to medicate should consider both the potential side effects of medication and the impact of leaving symptoms untreated. ✔ Effective treatment often includes a combination of therapy, school supports, parenting strategies, emotional regulation skills, sleep, exercise and sometimes medication. ✔ Parents deserve to ask questions and feel informed before making treatment decisions. Questions to Ask Your Child's DoctorWhy are you recommending this particular medication?What evidence supports its use for my child's age and diagnosis?What benefits should we expect to see?What side effects should we monitor?How long before we know if it's working?How often should medication be reviewed?What signs would suggest this is not the right medication? If you are concerned about your child's mental health, consider speaking with: Your GPA paediatricianA psychiatristA registered psychologistYour child's school wellbeing team SEO KeywordsADHD medication children, should I medicate my child, child anxiety treatment, ADHD parenting advice, anxiety medication teenagers, mental health medication children, parenting child with ADHD, school refusal anxiety, child psychologist parenting podcast, ADHD symptoms children, anxiety disorder in teens, child mental health support, parenting podcast Australia, teenage anxiety help, ADHD treatment options, psychologist advice for parents. Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation. If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency. Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
