Are antidepressants working for our children and teens?
A significant review of antidepressant use has found that they are mostly ineffective and could even harm children and teens.
Study published in The Lancet, the review led by researchers at Oxford University, assessed the evidence for 14 different antidepressants commonly prescribed for young people. The 34 trials reviewed encompassed over 5000 participants aged 9 to 18.
Incredibly, only one antidepressant- Prozac (fluoxetine) was seen to be more effective than placebo treatment. On the other end of scale, the antidepressant venlafaxine was shown to increase suicidal thoughts.
Clearly the findings are disturbing – particularly for parents of teens or children with depression.
The report recommended “children and adolescents taking antidepressants be carefully monitored closely, regardless of the antidepressants chosen, particularly at the beginning of the treatment.”
Other research highlights that avoiding treatment for depression can also be dangerous. So what can parents do? Arm themselves with information, speak to variety of health and allied health professionals and work out best possible strategy for their specific need.
One of the alternatives is Acupuncture and counselling.
Some Chinese herbs can also be used.
Extract from Natural Therapy pages news letter, March 2017