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Fortunately I do not encounter this too often, but it's probably one of the most difficult scenarios I deal with from time to time. The patient is a child, and the parents are divorced but share equal custody. Parent #1 says the child has certain symptoms and benefits from medication. Parent #2 says the child is fine, and does not want him/her on psychiatric medications.
As an example, I am currently treating a patient with ADHD and ODD. I requested information from school teachers which was also supportive of these diagnoses. Patient is now on Focalin XR which seems to work well for her, but mother reports there is some wearing off in the afternoon. I recommended adding a booster dose of Focalin IR after school. Mother is very open to this, but father feels it is unnecessary and thinks that the medication would not really be helping her. Ultimately, father agreed to the medication change but it almost felt like we weren't going to get anywhere, and I would be stuck with having to either prescribe against the father's consent, or not change anything and cause the mother to be disappointed.
What are some effective strategies for handling this kind of situation, without giving the appearance of taking sides?
As an example, I am currently treating a patient with ADHD and ODD. I requested information from school teachers which was also supportive of these diagnoses. Patient is now on Focalin XR which seems to work well for her, but mother reports there is some wearing off in the afternoon. I recommended adding a booster dose of Focalin IR after school. Mother is very open to this, but father feels it is unnecessary and thinks that the medication would not really be helping her. Ultimately, father agreed to the medication change but it almost felt like we weren't going to get anywhere, and I would be stuck with having to either prescribe against the father's consent, or not change anything and cause the mother to be disappointed.
What are some effective strategies for handling this kind of situation, without giving the appearance of taking sides?