Answer: May parents wonder if they should get a second opinion if they believe their child has been misdiagnosed with depression, or if they believe that something is wrong, but their child did not receive a depression diagnosis.
Getting a second opinion may be appropriate if you feel that your child was misdiagnosed with depression. However, if your child is in fact depressed or has another mental illness, it is very important that she be treated immediately. So, if you do decide to have your child reevaluated, make sure to do so quickly.
Try asking a trusted source for a recommended health care professional. Also, be sure to tell the new provider exactly the symptoms and behaviors that you have noticed in your child that have led you to seek help.
More Tips on Finding a Second Opinion Doctor
You know your child better than anyone, so trust your instincts, and keep working toward helping your child recover.
Source:
S.B. Williams, E.A. O'Connor, Eder, M. Whitlock, E.P. "Screening for Child and Adolescent Depression in Primary Care Settings: A Systematic Evidence Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force." Pediatrics 4 Apr 09 123(4):e716-e735.
