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Kids Treatment with Antidepressants Increasing the Risk for Suicide Continues

By Beth Janicek

A recent study has added to the debate on whether antidepressants increase the risk for suicide in adolescents. A long term study shows that there appears to be no difference among antidepressants in raising a kid's risk of suicidal thoughts. Lead researcher Dr. Sebastian Schneeweiss said,

'Across the most frequently prescribed antidepressant agents, there was no difference in risk of suicide attempts and completed suicides.'

In 2004, FDA mandated a 'black box' warning on all antidepressants for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents who go on the medication. The FDA showed a doubling in the risk among children taking antidepressants, compared with placebos. Dr. Schneeweiss added that the FDA analysis did not specify which medications were used, so there was not a way to tell the differences in risk. The children and adolescents in the study were on a variety of SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), including Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.

These findings allow doctors to focus their attention on which SSRI is most effective for an individual patient. SSRI's act differently in patients, so the doctor can now use the most effective one without being concerned that that particular drug is riskier than another SSRI.

However, the debate of using antidepressants to treat adolescent depression continues. Some claim not using the medications due to the block box warning will increase suicide for teenagers. Regardless, I think everyone agrees that the most important aspect of treating teenage depression is close monitoring by the physician and family.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on April 15, 2010 (boomark / email).