Deciding whether to give a child medication for an emotional or behavioral problem is a difficult choice. Parents wonder: Will it really help? How long will it be needed? Are there alternatives? What about side effects? Do news stories about FDA black box warnings trump the doctor's assurances that medications are safe and effective? From noted Harvard psychiatrist Timothy E. Wilens, this bestselling guide has already empowered many tens of thousands of parents to become active, informed managers of their children's care. The newly updated third edition details the latest advances in treating specific disorders and offers up-to-date answers to parents' frequently asked questions. Dr. Wilens covers how medications work; their impact on kids' emotions, personality, school performance, and health; the risks and benefits of widely used antidepressants; and much more. The book features new recommendations on treatments for bipolar disorder and ADHD-two illnesses where significant progress has recently been made.