Let it Flow

I started reading the June/July edition of Scientific American Mind for the article on intuition. I ended up reading the article Kids on Meds: Trouble Ahead? (pg 35) The article is focused on the use of antidepressant medications in kids, specifically those 18 and under.

I have seen many articles, news stories and heard personal stories about the use of medications in young children (and adults). It makes me wonder “are medications the only answer?” This article really fueled my desire to learn more.

Today I share some statistics and information I learned. Some of this I information I knew and some startled me.

• Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide in children and adolescents.
• Between 1987 and 1996 antidepressant use tripled in those 18 and younger. By 2000 it doubled again and then leveled off due to the increased warning of suicide side effects.
• Children taking antidepressants should be closely watched for: moodiness, nervousness, sleeplessness and again suicidal thoughts.
• According to this article, prescribing antidepressant meds to children occurred before these drugs were approved for use with kids. According to information I found on the Mayo Clinic website, Prozac is the only antidepressant currently approved for use in children. Doctors can use their judgment in prescribing other medications for children.
• There are questions around the idea that use of antidepressants in young children may affect development or “wiring” of the brain
• Approximately 1.5 million children in the U.S. under age 18 are taking antidepressant medications (figure was reported from insurance industry and medicaid data) (pg 36)
• “Many psychiatrists believe that antidepressants do far more good than harm in children” (Pg 39)

It appears there are still a lot of unanswered questions as well as ongoing studies about the use and effects of antidepressants and children.

Questions that come up for me that I don’t have answers to now and intend to explore:

• What causes depression (what I found in my very brief additional research is there is no real known cause but I need to read more)
• What about other methods of managing depression (yoga, meditation or other non-medication therapies) - are they effective? (this stems from my experience with exercise and yoga)
• What are determining factors to prescribe medications instead of exploring other therapies.

I do not have enough knowledge to have an opinion or voice about the use of these medications in children or adults. What I do have is an incredible desire to learn more.

Tags: Stress //