Depression afflicts one in every 20 children. The effects range in severity and can interfere with functioning and enjoyment in all aspects of life including school, friendships, and self esteem. Many children living with depression benefit from antidepressant drugs; however, concern about an uncommon, but serious side effect surfaced years ago and persists today—an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
To investigate this link, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analyzed 24 trials of nine commonly used antidepressants. Their findings, published in the March issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry , indicate that children taking antidepressants have a modestly increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, compared with children taking a placebo. These findings prompted the FDA to require a warning on product labeling and the distribution of patient and caregiver guides explaining the risk.
FDA researchers analyzed 24 placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs in children with depression and anxiety disorders. One study was conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); the rest were done by drug companies. The 24 studies included 4,582 children and ranged in duration from 4-16 weeks. The FDA scrutinized each study to determine the number of cases of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, called suicide-related adverse events (SREs). The number of SREs was compared among the antidepressant and placebo (sugar pill) groups.
None of the children committed suicide. However, the NIMH study reported a significant increase in SREs in those taking antidepressants. No other single study found such an increase, but all 24 studies analyzed together showed a moderate rise in SREs with antidepressant use. This moderate rise was quantified as follows: for every 100 children treated with an antidepressant, an increase in SREs (beyond the increase attributed to the depression itself) can be expected in one to three children.
These findings are limited by the duration of the studies; the drug effects after 16 weeks are unclear. Studies published elsewhere suggest antidepressants protect against suicide when taken for longer periods of time. In addition, the increase in SREs could have resulted from more reports rather than actual increases in such thoughts and behaviors.
It would appear that childhood depression is a kind of catch-22—both untreated depression and antidepressant drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This dilemma, however, can be managed with careful assessment and continuous monitoring. The decision to use antidepressants must consider the child’s symptoms, quality of life, and medical and family history. Drugs are not and should not be the only option. Talk therapy is a crucial component of successful treatment. Many psychiatrists, including those from McLean Hospital in Boston who authored an accompanying editorial, believe that close follow-up and talk therapy can detect any escalations of suicidal feelings and allow for prompt treatment. If you suspect your child has depression, contact your pediatrician. The signs of depression in children include:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
http://www.aacap.org/
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
Food and Drug Administration – Medication Guide About Using Antidepressants in Children and Teenagers
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/MG_template.pdf
Depression in Children and Adolescents
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/depchildmenu.cfm
References:
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. The depressed child. Available at: http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/depressd.htm Accessed March 7, 2006.
Baldessarini RJ, Pompili M, Tondo L. Suicidal risk in antidepressant drug trials [editorial]. Arch Gen Psychiatry . 2006;63:246-248.
Hammad TA, Laughren T, Racoosin J. Suicidality in pediatric patients treated with antidepressant drugs. Arch Gen Psychiatry . 2006;63:332-339.
Last reviewed Mar 9, 2006 by Richard Glickman-Simon, MD
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