Antidepressants for children - Is scientific support necessary?

Author(s): Fisher, S.

Journal/Book: J Nerv Ment Dis. 1996; 184: 351 West Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201-2436. Williams & Wilkins. 99-102.

Abstract: This article is concerned with issues pertaining to the degree to which clinical therapeutic decisions can reasonably depart from the best available scientific data. There is a tension between the traditions of practitioner autonomy and the boundaries set by research findings. Ambiguity exists as to how much freedom practitioners have to accept or reject the existing scientific paradigm. The nature of the dilemma is explored by analyzing the current problems confronting child psychiatrists and pediatricians who choose to treat depressed children with antidepressants. Despite unanimous literature of double-blind studies indicating that antidepressants ase no more effective than placebos in treating depression in children and adolescents, such medications continue to be in wide use. The strategies used to resolve this sort of contradiction are considered, and certain ethical puzzles are appraised.

Note: Article S Fisher, SUNY Hlth Sci Ctr, Dept Psychiat, 750 E Adams St, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA

Keyword(s): DEPRESSION; IMIPRAMINE; DISORDERS; ADOLESCENTS; TECHNOLOGY

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