Not a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder in kids due to limited data, side effect profile, and high likelihood of significant interactions.

Risperidone offers more efficacy and safety data in kids than other antipsychotics and is often used first-line in autistic kids, but you need to expect and monitor for EPS, prolactinemia, and weight gain.

Compared to carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine poses less concern for drug interactions and for hepatic or hematologic toxicities; it also does not require serum level monitoring.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth has shifted over time; while still largely reserved for post-pubertal adolescents, some studies (mostly in the US) include a broader age range, even preschool-aged children.

Not commonly used due to side effects and toxicity risk; however, TCAs should be considered for kids who do not respond to other antidepressants.

Not commonly used due to side effects and toxicity risk; however, TCAs should be considered for kids who do not respond to other antidepressants.

Limited evidence to support its use, but fairly commonly used for insomnia in clinical practice.

Consider sertraline a first-line agent for kids with depression and anxiety disorders.

Minimal efficacy data in pediatric patients, combined with the likelihood that adolescents may not follow diet restrictions, relegate this medication to third-line status. 

Lack of efficacy, side effects, and discontinuation symptoms make paroxetine a poor choice for children with depression.