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Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors for children and adolescents
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, South Africa. carl@rmh.uct.at.za
Insights
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) show a valuable role in treating child and adolescent psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and OCD, though more efficacy data is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are increasingly used in child and adolescent psychiatry.
- The scientific rationale for SSRI use in this population is under review.
- Efficacy, safety, and tolerability data are crucial for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific basis for using SSRIs in children and adolescents.
- To evaluate current data on SSRI efficacy, safety, and tolerability in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive Medline search was conducted from 1990 onwards.
- Review articles and double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were critically analyzed.
- Hand searches of key journals and specific areas of interest were performed.
Main Results:
- Most published studies originate from North America.
- SSRI use is rising in child and adolescent psychiatry, primarily for mood and anxiety disorders.
- Robust efficacy data is most prominent for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression.
Conclusions:
- While efficacy data is limited, SSRIs demonstrate a valuable role in treating various pediatric psychiatric disorders.
- Clinical experience and adult studies support the use of SSRIs.
- SSRIs are considered a valuable component of treatment for children and adolescents.
Objectives:
1) To briefly review the scientific basis for the use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in children and adolescents. 2) To review the current data on the efficacy, safety and tolerability in children and adolescents.
Method:
A Medline search back to 1990 was conducted. Review articles and double blind, placebo controlled trials were critically reviewed. Additional hand searches were performed with key journals and in specific areas of interest for this paper.
Results:
Most of the published papers are from North America. There is an increasing use of SSRIs in child and adolescent psychiatry. The main disorders studied are mood and anxiety disorders. The data supporting efficacy is still limited. The most robust data is in the treatment of OCD and depression.
Conclusion:
Taking the limited data together with clinical experience and with adult studies, there is a valuable role for SSRIs as a component of treatment for various child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.