KIEFERPIX/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
antidepressant. This evaluation should cover
reviewing potential risk factors for self-harm,
assessing whether the child may have other
mental illnesses and evaluating whether
mental illness or suicide exists in the family’s
medical history.

The highest risk of suicidal thinking and
behavior occurs during the first few months of
treatment with an antidepressant (and also if
the dose is increased or decreased).

Besides self-injury and talk of suicide or dying,
less obvious signs of suicidal thoughts include
aggressive or hostile behavior toward others,
agitation, restlessness and lack of engagement.

If medication after medication isn’t
working, rethinking the diagnosis might be
Additional considerations
necessary, he says.

Kronsberg noted that when starting an
According to Edwards, “When youth are
antidepressant, common side effects include
headaches and stomach upset. In the event starting antidepressants for depression,
of lasting side effects, or if symptoms worsen it doesn’t mean they have to take it for
or don’t improve after several weeks, parents the rest of their lives.” Antidepressant
can switch their child’s medication under the use can last for as little as six months to a
year. However, antidepressants could be
guidance of the prescribing doctor.

used longer term in cases with multiple
depressive episodes.

In any case, says Katie Krupa, a pediatric
nurse practitioner at The Pediatric Center
of Frederick, Maryland, the child’s family
needs to be involved. “It’s not a magic pill
that’s going to make everything go away,” she
says. “If everyone is committed, it usually
works very well.” T
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