Teen Suicide and Antidepressants

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In a study done by researchers from the United States Centers and Disease Control and Prevention shows that the suicide rate for “10 to 24 year old rose 8% from 2003 to 2004 after a drop of more than 28% from 1990 to 2003” (Rubenstein, Sarah, 2008). This is an emerging public health issue that needs to be addressed. Jeffrey Bridge is an epidemiologist at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio the lead author of this study stated that “we’re seeing more than 600 more suicides in this two-year period than we would have expected, and that is cause for concern” (Rubenstein, Sarah, 2008).It is clear that the suicide rates for young adults and teenagers are climbing, but how come and why after 13 years did the rate raise? A new argument suggests that a “drop in the use of antidepressants has led to an increase in teen suicides” (Rubenstein, Sarah, 2008).

The FDA has a black box warning “which link the drugs to suicidal thoughts and behavior in young people…the warnings contributed to a drop in prescriptions of the drugs for children and adolescents” (Rubenstein, Sarah, 2008) this is not a good sign for people who need to take medication and are choosing not to because of the warning associated with taking antidepressants. Taking antidepressants can save lives and help stable out your moods which is very important when you’re a teenager because you’re always up and down. It is often hard to correctly diagnosis a teenager because often the symptoms and warning signs of depression can go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. When I was a teenager one psychiatrist thought that I had borderline personality disorder but I later realized that it was anxiety and depression.

In 2007 the FDA responded to the concerns about people and the avoidance of antidepressants especially in cases that they were need by “calling for an update to the black box warning, adding that depression and certain other serious psychiatric disorders are themselves the most important cause of suicide” (Rubenstein, Sarah, 2008). Not treating a mental disorder may have tragic effects on that person until it is treated. If a disorder is not treated the person may contemplate suicide. The FDA also stated that “it is our intent to fully inform prescribers about the risks and benefits of antidepressant prescribing not to discourage appropriate prescribing” Rubenstein, Sarah, 2008) this is a good idea because people always look for the doctor’s expert opinion. We trust their judgment that they are giving us helpful medicine so it is very important that they explain the risks and benefits to patients before use. It is very important if you are feeling down or depressed to talk to someone and let them know how your feeling sometimes all you need is to talk to someone and get advice.

The link for this article:
http://rdas-proxy.mercy.edu:2103/pqdweb?index=5&sid=2&srchmode=2&vinst=PROD&fmt=4&startpage=-1&clientid=10766&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=1546605971&ts=1235503853&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1235503881&clientId=10766&cc=1&TS=1235503881