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Most of us need some medication or other at certain points in our life. But in these more sophisticated, and commercial, times it seems there is an ever-compelling rush for the pill bottle, not only to deal with established illnesses but to treat all kinds of less severe discomforts and discontents.

The use of medication to deal with the mental health problems of children and young people raises particular concerns. Clearly, some severe mental illnesses in children benefit from medication. And in some instances where children become very agitated or distressed, it may well be irresponsible for a medical practitioner not to prescribe some form of medication. We know that 70 per cent of children will show improvement in the primary symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with medication, usually Ritalin. This can be a great relief to the child and their parents and teachers. However, 30 per cent do not improve.

Two key issues arise over the safety and prescription of drugs and their use according to accurate diagnosis. We must remain vigilant about the effect of drugs on the growing brains of children and adolescents. We must also stay alert to the effective monitoring of drugs. The recent alarm about the regulation and prescription of the anti-depressant Seroxat and other similar drugs to young people under the age of 18 is a case in point. In the past year, about 8,000 young people have been treated with the drug, but new research shows an increase in the rate of self-harm and potentially suicidal behaviour when Seroxat is used.

Hyperactivity in young children and depression in adolescents are two of the most common worries among parents and teachers. Whether medication is suitable or effective for either depends on accurate diagnosis. A small group of children do suffer from ADHD, and some young people do experience clinical depression. Carefully prescribed medication in these cases may help. However, the family and school always need to be involved in the overall care of such children.

There is a much larger group of children who are not so disturbed. They may be boisterous and restless as children, or they may feel depressed as part of their adolescence. These children and young people need the opportunity and time to grow at their own pace and experience their own developmental struggles without being prematurely or unnecessarily medicated.

Peter Wilson is director of YoungMinds, a mental health charity for young people.