Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3755

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Hamrin V, Scahill L.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for children and adolescents with major depression: current controversies and recommendations.
Issues Ment Health Nurs 2005 May 01; 26:(4):433-50

Abstract:

Recent warnings about potential serious adverse effects with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in children and adolescents with depression raises questions about the risk-benefit ratio of these drugs in this population. Published safety and efficacy trials of SSRIs for the treatment of youth with depression are critically reviewed. These data were augmented by information from regulatory hearings in 2003-2004 and selected open-label reports. Based on this review, recommendations for medication treatment and monitoring of children and adolescents with major depression on SSRIs are provided. Emerging data from several clinical trials show that the SSRIs provide moderate benefits for youth with depression. In addition, SSRI treatment may be associated with increased risk of behavioral activation, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Appropriate use of the SSRIs in children and adolescents requires careful diagnostic assessment, evaluation of comorbidity, and close monitoring, especially early in treatment

Keywords:
Adolescent Adolescent Psychiatry/methods Adolescent Psychiatry/standards Age Factors Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation/adverse effects* Child Child Psychiatry/methods Child Psychiatry/standards Clinical Trials Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/drug effects Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy* Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology Drug Interactions Drug Labeling/standards Drug Monitoring Evidence-Based Medicine Humans Patient Selection Practice Guidelines Risk Factors Safety Self-Injurious Behavior/chemically induced Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors/adverse effects* Treatment Outcome United States United States Food and Drug Administration