Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and suicidal ideation and behavior in children
Caballero, J. & Nahata, M.C.
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders among children and adolescents, occurring in approximately 2% of children and 6.5% of adolescents in the United States.1,2 Between 20% and 40% of these patients may have a relapse within two years. Each episode usually lasts about eight months, and symptoms may include irritability, apathy, hopelessness, decreased concentration, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the pediatric population, especially among adolescents.3 Of children and adolescents who committed suicide, 50–75% suffered from a mood disorder, most frequently depression.4 Therefore, health care providers must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in the pediatric population and manage their therapy accordingly.