Antidepressants In Adolescents

Antidepressants should be highly regulated when distributed to adolescents. The prescription of antidepressants is often a "quick fix" to a permanent or complicated situation, and is, in many cases, ineffective or harmful. Various instances of suicidal events have occurred due to hap-hazard methods used when prescribing antidepressants. However, when used properly and under adequate supervision, these drugs can be live-saving and have very positive impacts on a child or teen's life. When evaluating a patient for a depressive illness or symptoms, the physician obtains a thorough history of the patient, and does a physical and psychiatric evaluation. He or she also asks about the patient's family history of depression or other illnesses. Current …show more content…
When antidepressant use is properly watched and monitored in the beginning stages, the drug can be almost harmless, even to those whose chemical make-up conflict to normally result in dangerous outcomes. When starting or stopping the drug, the patient is suggested (and almost required) to communicate with the physician, so that it can be a gradual, monitored, and safe process (McClelland). Therefore, the suggested use of antidepressants in youth is largely on an individual basis. In many cases, they have been positively life-changing and life-saving for adolescents with depressive illnesses. Unfortunately, in other cases, they have had just the opposite effect, especially in youth. Adolescents and their parents should be especially cautious when approaching this decision, since the extreme risks are more prone to their bodies. When proper communication with family physicians is present, however, antidepressants can be extremely helpful. Antidepressants can be a help or a hindrance to an adolescent with depressive (or other) illness, based on that individual's chemical make-up. Works Cited: Dudley, …show more content…
Apparently, more and more preschoolers are depressed. According to the Associated Press, many children as young as three years old are exhibiting signs of depression. Most people have a hard time digesting the idea that children of such a young age could experience emotions associated with the rigors of adulthood. But a recent study has revealed some eye-opening developments. For instance, the number of preschoolers who are being prescribed medications like Prozac to help them with emotional issues-is rising. There are certainly debates concerning giving drugs to children so young, with most recommending therapy first. In fact, there is even debate amongst some psychiatric professionals as to whether the preschoolers can actually be labeled depressed. How can you tell whether your toddler is depressed? It may seem difficult to determine whether a young child is temporarily disgruntled, or more "permanently" bothered by something or another. But some psychiatric professionals have pointed out a few things to look for: Excessive guilt (for mistakes) Sad disposition while playing Lack of appetite Games involving "death" themes It is considered normal for most toddlers to indulge in the occasional temper tantrum. But professionals urge parents to pay close attention if the tantrums are frequent and/or seem unprovoked. For the most part, children under the age of six years old have the