Just what the title implies–teens and depression medication. I know there there aren’t any meds for depression that have been tested specifically for children and/or teens, but I’d be open to hearing the experience that anyone has had regarding their teen (or themselves) on meds for depression.
Did it help? Any horrible side effects? How long were the meds taken? Would you recommend this path of treatment for depression?
Thanks in advance.
Actually, there is research on the use of meds with children and teens. From here:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-publication.shtml
“Results of a comprehensive review of pediatric trials conducted between 1988 and 2006 suggested that the benefits of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their risks to children and adolescents with major depression and anxiety disorders.28 The study was funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health.”
Prozac and Ativan have done wonders for my 16 YO daughter for two years now. We haven’t seen any untoward side-effects, except when she misses a dose.
My experiences on the sideline with this is that some actually make thoughts of suicide worse. It’s been a while so I can’t remember the names of those, but what did seem to work for her was prozac. Also, I’d remind you that a good therapist that they connect with goes an extremely long way toward success. YMMV, I am not a doctor, etc. etc.