Understanding the potential risks of treatments for children's mental health.

Understanding the Risks

The FDA reported that an extensive analysis of clinical trials showed that antidepressants may cause or worsen suicidal thinking or behaviour in a small number of children and teens.

What is a significant ethical consideration when prescribing SSRIs to children?

Beneficence and maleficence must be considered. On one hand, prescribing an SSRI without the proper knowledge and experience could result in harm, particularly given the “black box” warning of increased suicidality risk associated with SSRI use in youth.

There have been cases of an increase in aggression or agitation after beginning Lexapro. Antidepressants may also trigger anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness or impulsive behavior. These effects may indicate that the child's depression is getting worse or that the child is starting to develop suicidal thoughts.