Few topics in child mental health create as much confusion and fear as medication.
Parents worry:

• “Will it change my child’s personality?”

• “Is it safe?”

• “Will they become dependent?”

• “Are we giving up too early by choosing medicine?”

These fears are understandable. Medication should never be the first or only option. But used rightly, it can be life-changing.

This article explains the role of medication in child psychiatry—when it helps, when it isn’t needed, and why it is only one part of a much larger treatment plan.

A child’s brain is developing—so medication must be thoughtful

Children are not small adults. Their brains are still forming connections, pruning pathways, and learning emotional regulation. This makes medication decisions careful and highly individualised.

The goals of medication in children are:

• to reduce suffering,

• to increase functioning,

• to improve emotional stability,

• to help the child benefit from therapy,

• and to support development—not suppress it.

Medication is never prescribed casually. It is considered only when the child’s distress or impairment is significant.

When medication is NOT needed

Most childhood difficulties improve with:

• parenting support,

• structured routines,

• behavioural therapy,

• skill-building sessions,

• school accommodations,

• and emotional coaching.

Medication is not needed for:

• occasional tantrums,

• mild inattention,

• situational anxiety,

• temporary mood swings,

• behaviour linked purely to parenting or environment.

These respond beautifully to non-pharmacological interventions.

When medication CAN help

Medication is considered when symptoms are severe enough to interfere with:

• learning,

• sleep,

• safety,

• social functioning,

• emotional well-being,

• or daily routines.

Situations where medication is often appropriate:

• ADHD with significant academic or behavioural impairment

• Severe anxiety preventing school attendance or daily functioning

• Depression with persistent sadness, withdrawal, or self-harm

• Autism-related irritability or aggression

• Mood dysregulation with explosive outbursts

• OCD that affects rituals, functioning, or well-being

• Severe sleep disturbances unresponsive to behavioural strategies

In these cases, medication is not a shortcut—it is a support system that helps the child regain control.

Medication does NOT change a child’s personality

This is one of the greatest myths.

Medication is meant to reduce the intensity of symptoms—not the essence of the child.

You should still see:

• the same smile,

• the same humour,

• the same interests,

• the same personality.

If medication makes the child appear “dull” or “not themselves,” it means the dose is wrong, not the treatment itself.

Adjusting the plan usually restores balance.

Why medication + therapy works better than either alone

Medication reduces symptoms.
Therapy builds skills.
Together, they create lasting change.

For example:

• an ADHD child may finally be able to sit long enough to learn organisational strategies,

• an anxious child may feel safe enough to try exposure therapy,

• a depressed adolescent may become energised enough to re-engage with life.

Medication opens the door; therapy helps the child walk through it.

Safety: what parents should know

Modern child psychiatric medications are:

• well-studied,

• closely monitored,

• safe when prescribed correctly,

• started at low doses,

• adjusted gradually.

Side effects are discussed beforehand, and monitoring is regular.
Parents are partners in every step of the process.

Medication is not a lifelong sentence

Many children take medication for a period, learn coping skills, stabilise emotionally, and eventually taper off.
Some need long-term support.
Both are acceptable.

Medication is not a symbol of severity—it is a symbol of support.

What matters most: timing and intention

Medication is helpful when:

• the child is suffering,

• functioning is impaired,

• therapy is not enough,

• life becomes overwhelming for the child or family.

It is not helpful when:

• used as a shortcut,

• used without therapy,

• used for normal developmental behaviours.

The best decisions are collaborative, thoughtful, and based on careful assessment—not fear or pressure.

The real message for families

Choosing medication does not mean you have failed as a parent.
It means you have recognised your child’s distress and chosen to help.

Children who receive the right support—whether through therapy, structured routines, or medication—go on to thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.

Medication is not the enemy.
Untreated suffering is.

This series is meant to bring clarity, compassion, and confidence to families navigating these decisions.

Author & Contact

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS), DNB, MBA (BITS Pilani)
Consultant Psychiatrist & Neurofeedback Specialist
Mind & Memory Clinic, Apollo Clinic Velachery (Opp. Phoenix Mall)
✉ srinivasaiims@gmail.com 📞 +91-8595155808