Product Description

A novel, effective approach to treating childhood mental health disorders based on developing a personalized treatment program that integrates conventional and alternative healing Today's kids have to cope with far more stress than earlier generations. Schoolyard and media violence, intense competition and academic pressure, absentee working parents, and divorce have all contributed to a dramatic increase in childhood mental health disorders at progressively younger ages. Leading holistic psychiatrist Scott Shannon, M.D., presents a new model for understanding a child's mental health and for helping to develop the resilience essential to withstand and recover from debilitating stress. With co-author Linda B. White, M.D., he presents a multifaceted approach: In addition to conventional medications and psychotherapy, they discuss an array of effective alternative methods, including dietary changes, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and stress-reduction strategies. With guidelines for recognizing problems early and vital advice on getting help for serious psychiatric disturbances, Healing Young Minds represents a breakthrough in solving one of society's most pressing challenges.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #246784 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-21
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 6.24" w x 9.40" l, 1.18 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Pediatric psychiatrist Shannon, former president of the American Holistic Medical Association, and coauthor Heckman make the sobering observation that if the rate of increase in the use of childhood psychiatric medications continues at its current pace, within a generation half of all American children will be on some kind of psychiatric drug. Shannon argues that physicians are overdiagnosing and misdiagnosing a number of disorders, most notably ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), creating an undesirable doctor-diagnosis-drug cycle. Shannon lists six external forces or brain stressors that can affect a child's emotional and behavioral health (relational, nutritional, familial, environmental, educational and traumatic). He explores how emotional and cognitive brain growth are interrelated, outlining the elements needed for optimal brain development such as a safe and secure home life, love and touch, and proper nutrition. He also casts a critical eye on the educational system and what he believes is a one-size-fits-all, didactic approach. Claiming that labels can cripple rather than liberate, Shannon presents a convincing case for digging deeply into a child's nutritional needs, sleep habits, home and school environment and other underlying issues before turning to meds. (Aug.)
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