The use of antidepressants to treat depression in children and adolescents

Abstract

The dramatic increase over the past 10 years in the amount of available clinical research on the use of antidepressants to treat major depression in children and adolescents has substantially improved our knowledge of the safety and efficacy of these medications in the pediatric population. Many questions remain, however, that highlight the need to continue research in this patient population rather than relying on the extrapolation of data from trials involving adults. In this article, we review the current state of research into antidepressant therapy for major depression in children and adolescents. In addition, we discuss methodologic issues and clinical implications specific to the pediatric population.