A warning has been issued that common antidepressants prescribed to children are not only largely ineffective, but they also may increase the risk of suicidal behavior and self-harm among children. Despite this warning, physicians are often told that depression is often missed in patients, and a lack of diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious harm. The recommended "treatment of choice" is antidepressant drugs.
The inconsistency displayed by this contradiction is the subject of two commentaries in the Canadian Medical Association Journal as they seek to explain why the lack of benefit and potential for harm from antidepressant use among children took so long to be exposed. They bring up important points including:
The prescribing rate for antidepressants in young people has increased steadily in the past decade
Many studies show that antidepressants have little to no effectiveness compared to placebos
There is a large gap between the quality of evidence needed to get a drug to market and the actual treatment needs of patients
In addition to their weak or nonexistent evidence of efficacy, antidepressants may have serious side effects in children beyond suicidal behavior, including agitation, irritability and behavioral disinhibition
Patient reports of adverse drug reactions are commonly dismissed as anecdotal or unscientific
There has been no formal response to this crisis from leaders in child psychiatry, many of whom were investigators in both published and unpublished trials
All trial participants and--the broader public--should have access to the results of clinical trials
Study data must be subject to analysis by independent experts who are alert to conflicts of interest that may distort the interpretation of data
Guidelines for physicians need to be rewritten so they reflect the full body of evidence, both published and unpublished
Canadian Medical Association Journal (Full-Text Article) February 17, 2004; 170(4):487
Canadian Medical Association Journal (Full-Text Article) February 17, 2004; 170(4):489
These thought-provoking commentaries are well worth reading for anyone, and are essential for anyone considering antidepressants. I previously posted an article that several leading antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal behaviors among children. So not only do the antidepressants frequently not work, but they also increase the risk of suicide.
Depression is serious business and can be terminal if it results in suicide. I believe that it is tragic that wonderful tools like fish oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are not used more frequently.
Let's face it; we are all fatheads. Sixty percent of our brain is composed of fat and half of that fat is DHA, one of the fats in fish oil. Our body can't make it, and if we don't supply it we will suffer neurological complications. One can certainly be depressed and have adequate amounts of fish oil, but it is a simple, inexpensive and non-toxic strategy that helps many with depression.
Exercise can also be beneficial in helping those with depression. The practical problem with using exercise in depression, however, is that the desire to pursue any activity, let alone exercise, is not very high when you are depressed. The converse though also needs to be considered. Just because one exercises, that does not mean you cannot become depressed. Exercise makes it easier to treat depression, but it certainly does not cure it in everyone.
The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is another powerful tool for depression, but self-treatment is discouraged for serious depression problems. Rather, one should seek an experienced therapist who can rapidly facilitate resolution of the depression. You can view my free EFT manual to learn more about this technique and take a look at Gary Craig’s EFT Practitioner Referrals to find an EFT practitioner in your area.
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Antidepressants Proven to Work Only Slightly Better Than Placebo Millions of U.S. Adults Not Treated for Depression Exercise Better Than Drugs For Depression Teen Intercourse Linked to Depression & Suicide Vegetables and Folate Help Depression Depressed? Consider Fish Oil
Antidepressants Proven to Work Only Slightly Better Than Placebo
Millions of U.S. Adults Not Treated for Depression
Exercise Better Than Drugs For Depression
Teen Intercourse Linked to Depression & Suicide
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Depressed? Consider Fish Oil