49 - Guest Expert, Colleen Cavanagh, Psychiatry PA, What Parents Need to Know About Using Medication to Treat Depression & Anxiety

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan, host
Anna, teen co-host
Colleen Cavanagh, Psychiatry PA - guest expert

On our episode today, Tara and Anna welcome  guest expert, Colleen Cavanagh. Colleen is a Certified Physician's Assistant at Carolina Complete Psychiatry, where they focus on providing medication management and work with other professionals, like Tara, to create a collaborative care plan for patients.  Today we are discussing with Colleen  "What Parents Need to Know About Using Medication to Treat Depression and Anxiety."

Listen in to learn about:

1. What variables contribute to a new patient/client seeking out medical management for mental health care?  
2. What type of medications treat symptoms of anxiety and depression? The basic science about how they work.
3. How long does it typically take to see an impact from these types of meds? How do you know if they’re working?
4. Are there common side effects that parents should be aware of? What is GeneSight Testing and how does it provide a better idea of what medications would work best for your body?

 Of the most significant variables that impacts a parent’s willingness to consult with a psychiatrist or psychiatry PA is FEAR that their child will have side effects, turn into a “zombie” or a person who doesn’t experience positive emotions, or that using meds is some sort of sign that their child is deeply troubled or even that medication will lead to drug addiction.

 Are these fears justified? What should parents know?

 FOR THERAPISTS: How can therapists best support Colleen's work? Is there anything therapists do that is counterproductive to patient care?

To learn more about Colleen and the practice that she works with in Charlotte, go to https://ccpsychiatry.com/.

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