For a general overview to psychotropic medications for children and adolescents, also see the NIMH's free pamphlet . Apart from their use in controlling symptoms of psychosis, antipsychotics have also been used in low doses to reduce the tics of Tourette Syndrome. They are occasionally used to treat severe anxiety. Thus, patients should not assume that they have a psychotic condition if one of these medications is prescribed. Mood Stabilizers and Anticonvulsant Medications Mood stabilizers are often used in treating mood disorders, as they may level out the mood swings of Bipolar Disorder or decrease the severe mood symptoms of schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia.
Some anticonvulsant medications can also help control severe mood states or swings.
Some of the medications you will see referenced on this web site do not fall into any of the above classes. The lists above should not be construed as a complete listing or as recommendations for treating. Remember that as an informed consumer, you will want to ask the physician a lot of questions about any proposed medication. While this form is no substitute for a professional consultation, you can try using Dr. Koop's interaction checker . In 1998, Dr. Mark Riddle and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins reported 1 on their own assessment of many medications that are prescribed for children with neuropsychiatric disorders.