I initially thought it very off-putting for the primary question in assessing a child is if they require medication. My first gut reaction was, "really??! WHY is THAT the primary question? That can't be the first thing we ask or assess for as clinicians.." but the more I read, the more I understood how damaging it can be to prolong suggesting medication if that really is what is found to be the best method of treatment. I think it could be a mistake now to take the stance in avoiding suggesting medication just for the sole purpose of exhausting all other methods. After reading this chapter, I find it best to explore all options, careful to avoid automatically resorting to suggesting medication without taking a comprehensive assessment, but equally being impartial as there are cases where medication can immediately remedy symptoms.
I also appreciated the notion of collaborating with a psychopathologist/psychiatrist as they may catch things clinicians might not have found in assessing which again ensures a comprehensive assessment and collaborative, solution-focused model in treatment plans.