Use of antidepressants in children and risk of suicide: a review

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Published

2007-12-01

How to Cite

Bel Aguado, M. J., Barrera Francés, A., & Gracia García, P. (2007). Use of antidepressants in children and risk of suicide: a review. Revista De Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil, 24(2, 3 y 4), 187–192. Retrieved from https://aepnya.eu/index.php/revistaaepnya/article/view/100

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2, 3 y 4 (2007)

Section

Review article

Authors

  • M J Bel Aguado Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa
  • A Barrera Francés Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa
  • P Gracia García Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa

Keywords:

Antidepressants, suicide, children

Abstract

Introduction: Depressive disorders during youth occur frequently (10%) and are associated with significant comorbidity. ISRS are an effective treatment that
was prescribed widely across 1990´s. The finding of a relation between the use of antidepressants and an increase of suicidal risk in young people has generated a great controversy in the last years. Objective: To evaluate the risk of the antidepressant use in childhood in relation to the suicidal ideation. Method: We review the current state of research into antidepressant therapy in children and adolescents. Data from randomised controlled trials published in medical
journals in the last five years were reviewed; we discuss methodologic issues and clinical implications. Results: We have found ten trials that treated about antidepressants and suicidal risk. Four of them suggest that antidepressants protect of suicide, whereas four of them indicated that the risk of suicidal behaviour is increased with antidepressant use. Two studies don´t show significant results. Conclusions: It´s necessary to make specific studies on this subject because the present studies don´t show conclusive results. Nevertheless, depressive disorders
must be treated because their wide frecuency in childhood and their serious comorbidity.

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Author Biographies

M J Bel Aguado, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa

Residente de psiquiatría

A Barrera Francés, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa

Residente de psiquiatría

P Gracia García, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa

Residente de psiquiatría

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