Studies consistently show that about 15% of the U.S. population below age 18 suffer from a psychiatric condition that compromises their ability to function. These conditions can be helped. In some cases, treatment plans combine therapy and medication.

When the decision is reached that a child should take psychotherapeutic medication, active monitoring by all caretakers (parents, teachers, and others who are responsible for the child throughout the day) is essential. Some children may respond better to one medication than another. Some may need different dosages than others do. Age, sex, body size, body chemistry, physical illnesses and their treatments, diet, and lifestyle habits are some of the factors that can influence a medication’s effect.

Children should be watched and questioned for side-effects. Many children, especially younger children, do not volunteer information, or they may not know how to articulate what they are feeling. Children should also be carefully overseen to ensure they are taking the proper dosages and to make certain they are actually taking the medication.