The Use of 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 chemical use is a very important factor to consider, so the physician inquires as to the medications the patient is currently taking, and any substance on which the patient is dependent. He or she will then find out any previous inpatient/outpatient history, and determine if they are a risk to themselves or others in any way by inquiring about homicidal or suicidal tendencies. The physician will determine on an individual level what is best for the patient based on depression scales, a thorough knowledge of what is in the drugs, and the patient's responses (McClelland).

The most important aspect of prescription procedures managing a case involving a patient who is depressed or expresses depressive symptoms is to not begin with a drug. Ideally, the patient should learn good coping skills and stress management skills before being treated medicinally. The physician should know his or her patient on a personal level, enough so that he or she will be able to determine if the problem is a chemical or hormonal imbalance, or an emotional or anxiety disorder (McClelland).