Critical Issues for Psychiatric Medication Shared Decision Making With Youth and Families

This is the publisher's version, also found here: http://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.4135The primary aims of this article are to describe the current context for youth shared decision making (SDM) within the U.S. children’s mental health system and to identify important considerations for the development of this approach as a research and service domain. The notion is substantiated in the literature that participation in treatment decisions can prepare youth for making their own decisions as adults, can be therapeutic, and can have positive effects on their self-confidence and self-esteem. Still, the complex youth–family–provider dynamic raises important issues that need to be addressed before SDM can be successfully implemented

Developing a Framework to Support Shared Decision Making for Youth Mental Health Medication Treatment

Abstract Medical shared decision making has demonstrated success in increasing collaboration between clients and practitioners for various health decisions. As the importance of a shared decision making approach becomes increasingly valued in the adult mental health arena, transfer of these ideals to youth and families of youth in the mental health system is a logical next step. A review of the literature and preliminary, formative feedback from families and staff at a Midwestern urban community mental health center guided the development of a framework for youth shared decision making. The framework includes three functional areas (1) setting the stage for youth shared decision making, (2) facilitating youth shared decision making, and (3) supporting youth shared decision making. While still in the formative stages, the value of a specific framework for a youth model in support of moving from a client-practitioner value system to a systematic, intentional process is evident.This study was funded in part through a contract with the Kansas Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services Disability and Behavioral Health Services (DBHS)/Division of Mental Health