Prescribing Antidepressants for Depression in 2005: Recent Concerns and Recommendations

This position statement updates the CPA-CANMAT depression guidelines. The evidence base is reviewed in regard to suicidality associated with antidepressants in different age groups. Recommendations are provided for physicians about the clinical use of these medications. Based on a review of the research literature & recent reports from the US Food & Drug Administration, the authors summarize the benefits and risks to different age groups of prescribing antidepressants. Clinical recommendations follow. (47 refs)