Medication education for children. Is it worthwhile?

Child psychiatric inpatients have little or no control over their treatment. Anxiety and fear are normal reactions to the hospitalization and treatment process. Pharmacotherapy is an intervention that the child often perceives as an indicator of pathology. This article presents various methodologies to teach children about their medication treatment. Puppetry, graphics, art, and discussion were techniques used in a peer group to impart knowledge and decrease anxiety, fear, and negativity.