Children often experience depression to the degree that they require medical attention. Often a mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist) will prescribe drug therapy for a depressed child. Though antidepressants can be effective in treating childhood depression, this approach is often considered controversial, as the research regarding this type of medication for children is in the early stages. Parents and caregivers must weigh the benefits and risks of using drug therapy to treat a depressed child.
Types
The main types of antidepressant medications used with pediatric patients are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known by the acronym SSRIs. These include Prozac, Lunox, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Celexa. Many of these are closely related. Parents should weigh the benefits and risks of each with their child's primary physician to determine which, if any, should be prescribed.
Benefits
The major benefit of antidepressants is that they are often effective in relieving depression. This is true for both adults and children. In general the medication can help raise the mood of the child, help with sleep issues, help diminish aggressive behavior and generally make life easier for the child.
Considerations
The best way to decide whether to put a child on antidepressant medication is to consult with a doctor. If the decision to use a medication such as a SSRI is made, careful monitoring should be set in place. Parents should follow up with the physician once a week for the first month of medicating, followed by two times the next month and then again every 3 months. Parents should document changes, both good and bad, and report them. Also, do not abruptly discontinue the use of antidepressants, as this can result in withdrawal symptoms. Speak with the physician regarding tapering off of a medication if it is not effective.
Risks
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a warning in 2004 stating there is increased risk of suicidal behavior or thoughts in a small percentage of children treated with SSRIs. Children taking SSRIs should be carefully monitored especially during the first two months of treatment. Parents should discuss other possible side effects from antidepressant medication with their child's physician. The FDA has only approved one antidepressant for treatment: Prozac. A physician, however, may prescribe any antidepressant medication for your child.
Warning Signs
There are certain warning signs parents need to heed while their child is on antidepressant medication. The first and most important is if the child expresses suicidal thoughts or acts in any way to harm himself. Other signals to watch for are an increase in depression, irritability, anxious behavior, panic attacks, trouble sleeping and any incidents of odd or atypical behavior.
