Paediatric psychiatric medicines
Medicines for ADHD, anxiety, irritability, mood and related difficulties in children — how they fit alongside therapy, and the care needed in young people.
Children with neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions often also have ADHD, anxiety, low mood, obsessive–compulsive features, irritability or sleep difficulties. Medicines can genuinely help some of these, but in children they are used carefully, usually alongside behavioural, educational and family support rather than instead of it. This page explains the main groups and the general principles of safe use.
At a glance
- Used for
- ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, irritability/aggression, tics
- Principle
- Usually combined with behavioural/educational support, not instead of it
- Approach
- Start low, go slow; review benefits and side effects regularly
- Caution
- Some antidepressants need monitoring for mood/suicidality in youth
Main groups
- ADHD medicines — stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine)
- Antidepressants/anti-anxiety — SSRIs for anxiety, depression and OCD
- Medicines for irritability/aggression — e.g. risperidone or aripiprazole, sometimes used in autism for severe irritability
- Medicines for tics — alpha-2 agonists and dopamine-modulating medicines (see the Tourette page)
- Melatonin and others for sleep (see the sleep page)
General principles in children
Medicines are considered when symptoms significantly affect learning, relationships, safety or wellbeing, and usually after or alongside non-medication support. The approach is to start at a low dose, increase slowly, and review regularly — weighing clear benefits against side effects. Goals are agreed in advance, and medicines are not continued indefinitely without checking they still help.
Safety and monitoring
Different medicines need different monitoring — for example heart rate, blood pressure, growth and appetite with ADHD medicines; mood and, in young people, a recognised need to watch for increased suicidal thoughts when starting antidepressants; and metabolic effects (weight, glucose) with antipsychotics. Co-occurring epilepsy or other conditions can affect the choice. As with all medicines, they should not be started or stopped abruptly without advice.
Psychiatric medicines in children work best as part of a broader plan that includes behavioural and educational support — and they need regular review of whether they are still helping.
How an educational review can help
An educational review can help you understand why a medicine has been suggested, how it fits with therapy and school support, and what monitoring and questions are reasonable — helping you discuss the plan with your treating team. It is educational and does not replace your clinician's care.
Selected sources
- National guidelines on the assessment and management of ADHD, anxiety and depression in children and young people.
- Evidence and cautions for medicines used for irritability in autism spectrum disorder.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-22
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