Mental Health Medication for Young People
April 14, 2026
Mental health conditions are rising in young people, with research finding that there has been an 8% increase in 16-24-year-olds diagnosed with a common mental health condition between 2007 and 2023.
In addition to this, more 11-17-year-olds are being prescribed antidepressants than in the past.
There is a lot of misunderstanding about psychopharmaceuticals, including how they work and what it means to start taking them.
This article provides a brief overview of what is meant by psychopharmaceutical support.
What are psychopharmaceuticals?
Psychopharmaceuticals are medications used for mental health conditions. There are many types of psychopharmaceuticals to support a range of different mental health conditions.
Here are just a few examples of different medications for mental health:
Antidepressants
A type of medication typically used to treat depression, but can be used for a range of conditions, including generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and phobias. Antidepressants target neurotransmitters that are linked, such as serotonin. For example, the most commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the serotonin levels in the brain.
Anti-anxiety medications include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers. The medication you will be prescribed depends on your symptoms; beta-blockers reduce physical symptoms by reducing adrenaline, whilst antidepressants and benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain.
Antipsychotic Medication
Typically used for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics target a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine; they can reduce symptoms such as hallucinations and mood swings.
Mood Stabilisers
A type of medication used to stabilise mood, typically used for bipolar disorder. They appear to work by reducing activity in overactive areas of the brain, but the way they work isn’t completely known as of now.
You can find a full, comprehensive list of all current UK medications through Mind.
What are some frequently asked questions about psychopharmaceuticals?
What about the side effects?
Like all medications, there is a chance of side effects when taking medication for your mental health. Before beginning any medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about potential side effects and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. When receiving medication, make sure to read the information inside about any potential side effects and when to contact someone about side effects.
Where can I get help?
The main service to seek help when considering psychopharmaceutical support would be your GP, as they can prescribe medication and refer you to specialists.
What if I become dependent on them?
There is a chance of becoming dependent on medication, including mental health medication. Medication is usually started on a minimum dose and gradually increased. If you have a history of dependence, it is important to discuss this with your GP or other professional before beginning any medication.
Does starting medication for my mental health mean I’ve failed?
Absolutely not. No one thinks you have failed if you need to take medication for a physical ailment, so why should mental health be any different?
Taking medication for your mental health is not a sign you have failed; it is a sign that you were strong, sought help, and took the next step to support yourself. For some people, medication is the extra support they need, and there is nothing wrong with that.
How do I talk to people about it?
Firstly, it is completely up to you whether you talk to people about starting medication. However, it can be helpful to let people you feel safe with know that you are starting medication so that they can support you; for example, they may notice changes or side effects that you don’t and can support you emotionally.
“Around 18 months ago, I was really struggling with my mental health. I struggled to attend my lectures and work, I stopped spending time with friends, and I stopped eating or taking care of myself. My friend could see what was happening, but I struggled to open up. She convinced me to seek support. The first time I contacted my university support team, I stopped it because I was too scared of talking to someone. After about 2 months, my friend convinced me to contact them again, and I did. I went through with it and spoke to someone about how I was doing. After a few sessions, they encouraged me to contact my GP to discuss medication. It took a lot of convincing myself to contact them, but I did.
They recommended I begin taking antidepressants, in particular Sertraline, along with my counselling sessions via my university. The day I went to the pharmacy to pick up the prescription, I felt a burst of happiness which I hadn’t felt for a long time. I felt like I was finally taking a step to feel better. I got some side effects like low appetite, tense jaw, and hot flushes, but I found them manageable, and as I took the medication consistently, they began to reduce.
After further counselling and a change in dosage, I am feeling a lot better. I have a lot more energy, a better mood, and am generally taking much better care of myself. I am currently still on the medication, and I still have my bad days, but they aren’t constant anymore. I was really scared to start taking antidepressants, but I’m glad I did. They were the push I needed to start making my life happier again.”
-Anonymous, age 22
Conclusion
This is a brief overview of psychopharmaceutical support. If you are struggling with your mental health and think you might benefit from further support, there are people out there for you to talk to.
Doctors are there to talk to about any concerns; no questions are stupid or too small. If you are unsure about something, ask them, and they will answer. You deserve to know everything before deciding on medication.
If you would like to talk to a mental health professional, Mindsum offers a free initial consultation.