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  • Title: Antidepressant medication usage in the pediatric population.
    Author: Chou C.
    Journal: WMJ; 2004; 103(6):20-2. PubMed ID: 15622812.
    Abstract:
    Untreated depression in the pediatric population is a serious health risk. Although there is a risk of increased suicidal thoughts and behavior with the use of antidepressants, most clinicians feel that no treatment at all leads to a worse outcome for our patients. It remains a clinical conundrum that the use of antidepressant medication in a depressed child has significant risks as well as documented benefits. The physician needs to independently verify the diagnosis of depression in a child (which might be made by a therapist), use informed consent with the parent or guardian and the patient as well, and provide careful monitoring of the treatment course for a number of weeks and months. One should be made aware of side effects of the medication, including increased agitation or impulsivity, as well as suicidal tendencies. We tell our patients that all medications have side effects as well as benefits, that none is completely benign. However, despite the potential problems, the treatment of depression does include the careful usage of medication.
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