SSRI Use In Pediatrics

Paper Summary:

This study examines whether physicians prescribing antidepressants to pediatric patients place them at greater risk for committing suicide later in life. The researcher focuses specifically on the links existing between selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) use and increased patient risk for suicide. The paper also looks at the side effects that are most commonly associated with SSRI use in children.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Purpose of Study
Background/Significance of Study
Hypothesis/Research Questions
Methodology
Research Design
Participants
Instrument
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Study Limitations
Results/Discussion

From the Paper:

"Despite many widely publicized risks associated with use of certain antidepressant, in many cases pharmacological therapy including administration of antidepressants is often the first line of therapy recommended for children demonstrating various mood, anxiety and other depressive disorders (March, 2004). While much research has focused on the benefits of pharmacological therapy on adults, relatively little attention has been paid the effects of pharmaceutical therapy on children (March, 2004). "
"In fact, whole bodies of research suggest that mood and anxiety disorders in children are best managed using a psychopharmacological perspective, even though this field of medication therapy is still evolving (Bell et al. 2001). Many still believe that medication therapy is the most effective form of therapy particularly when "incorporated into a carefully thought-out management plan based on a clearly established diagnosis" (Bell et al. 2001)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bechtold, D.W., Dick, R.W., Keane, E.M. & Manson, S.P. (1996). "Predictive and concurrent validity of the suicidal ideation questionnaire among American Indian Adolescents." Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 24(6): 735.
• Bell, C., Masterson, C., Nutt, D. & Short, C. (2001). Mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: A psychopharmacological approach. London: Martin Dunitz.
• Diamond, K.E., McWilliam, R., Snyder, P., Snyder, S.W. & Thompson, B. (2005). "Evaluating the quality of evidence from correlational research for evidence based practice." Exceptional Children, 71(2): 181.
• March, J.S. (2004). Phobic and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: A clinician's guide to effective psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. New York: Oxford University Press.
• O'Meara, K.P. (2004, Feb). "Will British ban spur FDA to Act? Critics remain skeptical of the FDAs announced plans to take a serious look at possible links between use of antidepressants by children and violent or suicidal acts." Insight on the News, Feb 16: 26.

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