Are Antidepressants Right for Your Child?

Depression is a problem that affects individuals and families across the globe. While nearly everyone will experience emotional ups and downs during his or her lifetime, the effects of depression can seem like driving into a dark tunnel without being able to see a light at the end. More frequently, children, adolescents and teens are feeling the effects of depression early in life. According to a study published in Psychiatric Services in April of 2004, over a million preschoolers in the United States are clinically depressed. Additionally, statistics show that about 20% of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. Along with other forms of treatment, the use of antidepressants may be necessary to aid in the treatment of children and teenagers suffering from depression. In deciding if antidepressants are right for their children, factors such as side effects and an increased risk of suicide should be weighed carefully by parents.

Adolescent Depression

The contributing factors in adolescent depression can vary. In addition to others, poor self image, being made fun of at school, rejection among peers, family problems at home and even holidays and seasonal changes can result in depression in children, adolescents and teenagers. Depression can also be difficult to diagnose among children and adolescents due to the continuing changes that they undergo during puberty, through the teenage years and into early adulthood. According to Michael Wells, director of Resource Link, a depression referral program sponsored by the Children's Hospital of Illinois, "Depression is a difficult thing to diagnose because almost everybody goes through down periods and parents struggle with what's normal and what's not. And unlike with adults, who may be gloomy or sad, sometimes kids act irritated or agitated" (Davis, 2007).

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2008) estimates that 10 to 15% of adolescents and children struggle with symptoms of depression. In addition to this, 1 in 12 is affected by major depression. Major depression can also lead to other behavioral disorders such as eating disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, risk-taking behavior, drug and alcohol abuse, self injury, and suicide. Of these afflicted with major depression it is estimated that 1 in 14 will commit suicide. According to Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Annual

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