Test Your Knowledge

Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Parents may wish to ask their child’s doctor the following questions related to depression in children:

1. What symptoms might indicate that my child has depression?
   
   
2. Which signs and symptoms might indicate that my child’s depression requires medical attention?
   
   
3. How will you diagnose my child’s condition?
   
   
4. What type of depression does my child likely have?
   
   
5. Should I alert school or day care officials about my child’s depression?
   
   
6. What are my child’s treatment options?
   
   
7. Are there any potential risks or side effects of these treatments?
   
   
8. Should my child take antidepressants despite FDA warnings about the drugs? What are the potential benefits and risks of taking these medications?
   
   
9. When will I know that it’s appropriate for my child to discontinue antidepressant use?
   
   
10. What steps can I take to increase the odds that my child’s treatment will be effective?
    
    
11. Should my child undergo psychotherapy? Would family therapy be helpful?
    
    
12. How long will it take for my child’s condition to improve?
    
    
13. What signs might indicate that my child’s depression is improving?
    
    
14. How likely is it that my child will suffer another bout of depression in the future?