13- year old Mike Nelson had moved to a new school and his parents were concerned that he was not fitting in too well. He was taken to see a psychiatrist who prescribed him with antidepressants. About a week later Mike had hung himself, without a warning whatsoever. Even though several restrictions have been set for who can be given antidepressants, tragedies like this have Americans debating whether or not antidepressant should be proscribe to young patients. According to a medical study in Great Britain and the U.S, “patients medicating their depression with SSRIs can become addicted to the pills, and faced increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior” (“Are Antidepressants Drugs Safe for Young Patients?” 1). The ongoing debate whether
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Supporters and critics continue to argue over what needs to be done. The issue of Antidepressants drugs, and whether they are safe for young patients is a commonly debated topic around the world. Depression has become very common not just to older patients, but in young patients as well. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health and the Teenscreen Program at NYC’s Columbia University concluded that, “ Depressive illness is found in nearly 18 million adults, as well as two million teenagers” (“ Are Antidepressants Safe for Young Patients?”1).This evidence suggests that because there are so many people with depression many believe that antidepressants are the solution to their sickness. In addition, there seems to be a major growth rate of youth depression who are being treated with antidepressants. As stated in the article “Are Antidepressants Safe for Young …show more content…
First and foremost, proponents argue that treating depression with antidepressants seems to be the only way to cure this sickness. They also acknowledge that, “the drugs have allowed many people to overcome the stigma traditionally associated with mental heal problems…. allowing them to live healthier lives” (“Are Antidepressants Safe for Young Patients? 4).This evidence suggests that antidepressants could be the solution for those battling depression and other mental issues. Furthermore, many say antidepressants don’t increase the rate of suicide, however it is dangerous leaving it untreated. Dr. March and other experts argue that, “the cost of leaving depressed children and teenagers untreated is high; depression itself can be a lethal illness” (Goode Erica 5). As a result, many feel that without medication, young patients are left untreated which can lead to serious problems and even suicidal thoughts. This claim is also bolstered by scientific research, which seems to indicate that there’s no harm in using antidepressants. For instance, Dr. Grae stated that, “He had treated more than 2,000 children with SSRIs and had not seen a case where he thought the drugs produced suicidal thoughts or behavior” (Goode Erica 3). To emphasize this quote, supporters believe that there is no harm by treating children with antidepressants. Rather they help children overcome depression. Given the
Supporters and critics continue to argue over what needs to be done. The issue of Antidepressants drugs, and whether they are safe for young patients is a commonly debated topic around the world. Depression has become very common not just to older patients, but in young patients as well. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health and the Teenscreen Program at NYC’s Columbia University concluded that, “ Depressive illness is found in nearly 18 million adults, as well as two million teenagers” (“ Are Antidepressants Safe for Young Patients?”1).This evidence suggests that because there are so many people with depression many believe that antidepressants are the solution to their sickness. In addition, there seems to be a major growth rate of youth depression who are being treated with antidepressants. As stated in the article “Are Antidepressants Safe for Young …show more content…
First and foremost, proponents argue that treating depression with antidepressants seems to be the only way to cure this sickness. They also acknowledge that, “the drugs have allowed many people to overcome the stigma traditionally associated with mental heal problems…. allowing them to live healthier lives” (“Are Antidepressants Safe for Young Patients? 4).This evidence suggests that antidepressants could be the solution for those battling depression and other mental issues. Furthermore, many say antidepressants don’t increase the rate of suicide, however it is dangerous leaving it untreated. Dr. March and other experts argue that, “the cost of leaving depressed children and teenagers untreated is high; depression itself can be a lethal illness” (Goode Erica 5). As a result, many feel that without medication, young patients are left untreated which can lead to serious problems and even suicidal thoughts. This claim is also bolstered by scientific research, which seems to indicate that there’s no harm in using antidepressants. For instance, Dr. Grae stated that, “He had treated more than 2,000 children with SSRIs and had not seen a case where he thought the drugs produced suicidal thoughts or behavior” (Goode Erica 3). To emphasize this quote, supporters believe that there is no harm by treating children with antidepressants. Rather they help children overcome depression. Given the