is of the long-term potential effects on children. This presents a serious ethical concern. Although it may be assumed that physicians want to help their patients, many of them are ill informed regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the use of antidepressants for children. Though well meaning, they may cause harm in spite of their oath to ôfirst, do no harm.ö Very few studies have been conducted regarding the safe use of antidepressants in children. In addition, how does the issue of informed consent impact treatment when a patient is too young to be involved in the decision-making process, and parents do not question what the doctor prescribes.
The purpose of this research study is to determine whether antidepressants are properly prescribed for children, if they are over-prescribed for reasons other than medical, and whether or not the use of antidepressants by children is necessary.
Tricyclic and nontricyclic medications .
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Depression is a brain disorder that affects the way a person thinks and acts. Depression in children and adolescents is associated with social dysfunction, academic under achievement, suicidal behavior.
Selected Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, and Celexa.
The practice of physicians prescribing medications for children that have been FDA approved only for adult use.
Many issues surround the use of antidepressent medication in children. Roberts & Alessi (2003) contend that during the past two decades, ôwhat was once known as depression the feeling, has become depression the illness. More specifically, depression became 'medicalizedÆ into a disorder.
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