In the U.S., 1 in 5 children and teens have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health. Those can include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders

About 9 percent of those from ages 5-17 diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health condition take medication to treat it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 14% get counseling or therapy.

“When medications are prescribed, it’s important to see treatment of a mental health condition in the same light as treating a medical condition,” said Dr. Deborah Gatlin, a medical director with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

“You need to know what to expect from the recommended treatment plan so you can help your child adapt to it and then adhere to it. You also need to discuss any changes you’re seeing with your child’s provider so they can determine if the medication is having the desired effect,” Dr. Gatlin said.

What to ask when medication is prescribed

Dr. Gatlin: Health care providers should give thorough explanations related to medications they’re prescribing. But it’s always best to be prepared with questions and to take notes:

• Can you tell me about my child’s diagnosis, and what are the symptoms that led you to that diagnosis?
• What are the different types of treatment for this?
• Are side effects common with this medication? Will they subside and when does that usually happen?
• How long does it take for this medication to take effect?
• What changes in my child’s routine or behavior should I look for or expect?

What to know about these medications

Dr. Gatlin: When your child gets a new prescription, understanding a few key facts about these types of medications can help you navigate the treatment plan.

• It can take time to achieve the desired results as many of these drugs need time to build up in your child’s system. Don’t let them stop taking them without consulting your child’s provider.
• Many of them are trying to correct a chemical imbalance in the brain. Your provider may have to adjust dosages or have your child try more than one medication to achieve that.
• Not all effects of a medication happen at the same time. Physical effects, like altered sleep patterns, may occur before other changes.
• Some medications, like those for depression or anxiety, don’t cure the condition. They help treat the symptoms while the person taking them learns to manage the condition.
• Counseling can help with many of these conditions. Behavior modification can also help with conditions like ADHD.

“Your doctor may need to schedule several follow-up appointments after prescribing new medications to see how your child is responding and to make any needed adjustments to their dosages or type of medication prescribed,” said Dr. Gatlin.

“Let your child or teen know they can talk candidly to you about how they’re feeling and about taking the meds, and that sharing with their provider is important, as well. That can help you in getting them to adhere to their medications initially and as they mature and take responsibility for their medications as they move toward adulthood.”

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.