The controversy surrounding the use of antidepressants in
children came to an official head last month with the FDA's
order that SSRIs prescribed for children carry a “black box”
label-the strongest warning the agency puts forth-and are
accompanied by an informational guide outlining the medications'
risks. The decision presents valuable opportunities to educate
parents on possible side effects of the drugs but has also
spawned confusion among the public, policymakers and the media.
Advocates must know the facts and stand ready to face this issue
head on. |Since the introduction of the first SSRI in 1987,
adolescent suicide rates have been falling, and are now at about
eight per 100,000 per year compared to more than 11 per 100,000
per year in 1990. New Obstacles to Care It is essential to take
precautions that protect children and ensure the safe use of
medications. But it is equally important to ensure that we don't
deter consumers, parents and doctors from safe prescribing
practices, or allow this developm