It’s NOT the Medication, It’s the Motivation!

    Dr. Nikki Martinez who has been working as an Independent Medical Expert to assist the courts, for the past decade and has also been an Adjunct professor for almost 14 years again joins eHealth Radio and the <a href="https://ehealthradio.podbean.com/category/psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychology</a> and <a href="https://ehealthradio.podbean.com/category/mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mental Health</a> Channels continuing an on-going series. Dr. Martinez engages in domestic and international consulting for various individuals, groups, and organizations, and offers individual and couples consulting via Tele-mental health services. Topic: It’s NOT the Medication, It’s the Motivation! Listen to interview with host <a href="http://www.twitter.com/EricDye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Michaels</a> and guest Dr. Nikki Martinez discuss the following: <ol><li>As the topic of the show notes, there Is an important misunderstanding about the fact that pre-existing suicidal thoughts cause suicidal behavior in individuals, not mental health medications. Could you explain what that misunderstanding is?</li><li>You note that it is essential that a child has a thorough evaluation before starting an antidepressant by a trained professional. Who should conduct it, what should it entail, and why is it so important?</li><li>The FDA has put a “Black Box” warning on ALL antidepressants but has only approved 9 for children and youth, and you also have some research you would like to discuss that shows it is not these medications that cause suicidal thoughts.</li><li>You note that a major problem is that parents, guardians, and providers don’t always realize that a teen is suicidal, and so they blame the medication when no one is asking the questions and having the conversation.</li><li>Based on your experience, and reports from individuals you have worked with over the years, what conversations could providers and guardians be having with children and teens to