Author Question: Explain some of the concerns of treating young people with depression with medications. What will ... (Read 53 times)

Chloeellawright · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Explain some of the concerns of treating young people with depression with medications.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the role of the family in the development and maintenance of depression in young people?

What will be an ideal response?

wuly · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The main concerns are possible serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and self-harm and a lack of information about the long-term effects of these medications on the developing brain. Related to these concerns and warnings by the FDA, the use of SSRIs with young people has decreased by about 20 in more recent years (Gibbons et al., 2007; Libby et al., 2007). In 2004, the FDA asked all manufacturers of antidepressant medications to include in their labeling a boxed warning (black box) and Patient Education Guide to alert consumers about the increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in youngsters treated with these medications.

Answer to Question 2

Youngsters with depression experience less supportive and more conflictual relationships with their mothers, fathers, and siblings than do children who do not have depression. They report feeling socially isolated from their families and prefer to be alone rather than with them. In family situations, the child's social isolation may not be a social skill deficit, but rather a reflection of the child's desire to avoid conflict. Family relationship difficulties have been found to persist even when children are no longer clinically depressed (Sheeber et al., 2007).