Effect of Regulatory Warnings on Antidepressant Prescription Rates, Use of Health Services and Outcomes Among Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

Data from prescription & health care databases representing more than 265,000 children, adolescents, & young adults in Manitoba were examined to determine changes in the rates of antidepressant prescription, use of health services & outcomes in the 9 years before & the 2 years after a Health Canada warning. Following the warning, the rate of antidepressant prescriptions decreased among all 3 groups. Ambulatory visits because of depression also decreased. The rate of suicide in children & adolescents rose significantly after the warning without an equivalent change among young adults. (24 refs.)