NAMI Joins Group Launching Resources for Families On Treating Depression in Children and Adolescents
February 2, 2005
On February 1, 2005 NAMI participated in a press conference to launch ParentsMedGuide.org, a new resource center developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with depression. Darcy Gruttadaro, the Director of NAMI’s Child & Adolescent Action Center, participated on a panel that also included family members and representatives from family advocacy groups, psychiatrists, and a primary care physician.
The newly launched web site includes a fact sheet for families titled "The Use of Medication in Treating Childhood and Adolescent Depression: Information for Patients and Families." The fact sheet, developed by the APA and AACAP in consultation with NAMI and other family advocacy groups, includes practical advice for families about treating depression in children and adolescents. It also includes information about the recent FDA decision to require a black box warning for antidepressant medications.
The ParentsMedGuide.org web site also includes a guide for physicians on treating depression in children and adolescents, including information on treatment alternatives and the latest science and research findings.
NAMI is developing a Family Guide for the Treatment of Adolescent Depression, which is currently being edited and will be available in the near future.
You can learn more about the APA and AACAP resource center by visiting the ParentsMedGuide.org web site.
