Treatment
Treatment psychiatric disorders can consist of medications or behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Treatment is individually customized to meet the needs of the patient. Studies have shown that medications and behavioral therapy are safe and effective and do more than just relieve the symptoms of psychiatric disorders, they improve the patient’s ability to follow rules as well as improve relationships with peers and parents.
Usually the most effective treatment approach is a multidisciplinary one, with multiple elements that work together and complement each other. These elements include:
- Education about diagnosis and treatment
- Medication management
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- GeneSight Testing
- School/teacher involvement
- School/counselor involvement
Some elements of therapy include:
- Goal setting — Specific goals are set and accomplished, such as completing a chore, finishing an assignment, playing well with others, sitting still in one place, etc.
- Rewards and consequences – The patient receives rewards or consequences for his or her actions. Negative behavior is handled with time out or loss of privileges.
- Consistent long-term therapy – Goal setting, rewards and consequences need to be applied consistently until the child adopts these behavioral changes appropriately.