The youngster's presenting psychiatric symptoms along with past response to medications and also consideration of possible side effects will determine the choice of medication. Psychiatric medication should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Antidepressant medications are used in the treatment of depression, school phobias, panic attacks, and other anxiety disorders, bedwetting, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder. They are occasionally used to treat severe anxiety and may help in reducing very aggressive behavior. Mood stabilizers may be helpful in treating manic-depressive episodes, excessive mood swings, aggressive behavior, impulse control disorders and severe mood symptoms in schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia.
Some anticonvulsant medications can also help control severe mood changes.
Anti-anxiety medications may be helpful in the treatment of severe anxiety. A variety of medications may be used for a short period to help with sleep problems. Other medications are also being used to treat a variety of symptoms. Facts sheets may be reproduced for personal or educational use without written permission, but cannot be included in material presented for sale. To order full sets of FFF, contact Public Information, 1.800.333.7636 .