These medications also help treatanxiety symptoms.
Antidepressants may be most effective if your teen is also working with a therapist or psychiatrist.
During counseling, your teen will learn coping skills to help deal with life’s stressors.
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A mental health professional can be a wonderful ally for the parents of a teen with depression.
Potential Adverse Effects
All medications have side effects.
One of the most commonly prescribedclasses of antidepressantsfor adolescent depression is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
They are also unique in how they will respond to an antidepressant.
While many teens do not experience an increase in suicidal thoughts, it is possible.
Teens need to take their antidepressants exactly as their doctor prescribes them, usually daily.
You and your teen should also know that antidepressant medications should never be stopped abruptly.
If your teen suddenly stops taking their antidepressant, they may experiencesymptoms of withdrawal.
For some teens, antidepressant medications may be able to help.
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Santarsieri D, Schwartz TL.Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians.Drugs Context.
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Johnston H, Fruehling J.Handbook of Depression in Children and Adolescents.
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New York: Springer Science & Business Media; 2013:365-369.
