Medication for Childhood Depression

Overview

Depression is not a mood disorder that affects only adults. Jay L. Hoecker, a doctor at the Mayo Clinic, states that depression is as common in children as it is in adults. Statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health show that major depressive disorder affects 5 percent of adolescents.

Types of Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are given most often to treat childhood depression, according to the NIHM. Prozac (fluoxetine) is the only SSRI approved by the FDA for treating depression in children 8 years of age or older.

When It Is Beneficial

Hoecker notes that children who do not have easy access to therapy, have severe symptoms that are unresponsive to therapy, suffer from chronic or recurring depression or have psychosis or bipolar disorder benefit the most from antidepressants.

Risks

The NIMH reports that in a Food and Drug Administration study, 4 percent of children who took antidepressants exhibited suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Considerations

Hoecker argues that combining medication with psychotherapy provides the best treatment results.

Warning

Because of the results of the FDA study, the NIMH recommends close monitoring of a child patient during the first four weeks of taking antidepressants.