Many people do not know what antidepressants are. These are drugs containing various chemical substances that stimulate the release of a chemical in the brain – serotonin. Scientists believe that the deficiency of serotonin causes a chemical imbalance in the brain and, in turn, depression. However, this is only a theory that is becoming more contradicted recently. Antidepressant drugs increase the level of serotonin in the brain, but it is not confirmed that its deficiency causes depression. In addition, the treatment with these medications does not always relieve depression. Hence, even though the antidepressants are considered to be effective in general, they might not bring about the desired results. This poses a risk that should be taken into account.

The antidepressant drugs are made in dosages appropriate for adults and not for children. The brain of adolescents and of young people under the age of 25 works slightly differently compared to the brain of adults. Furthermore, during the teenage years this vital organ is still undergoing a great development. For these reasons, scientists believe that the antidepressants might be capable of causing permanent damage to the brain of a young adult. The theory suggests that the functions, which regulate the stress and emotions management, are adversely affected. These speculations are not fully proven yet, however, there is a potential risk of such permanent damages.

The main problem with antidepressant treatment is that its side effects are serious. The drugs do not cause undesired reactions in all patients, but there are cases in which they have an adverse effect. The risk is not measureable, as it is strictly individual, but it does exist. It is possible for the antidepressants to actually increase the severity of the symptoms of depression. Increased anxiety and irritability are not uncommon. The sufferer may have panic attacks, anger outbursts or become hyperactive. Manias may develop. Increased sadness and tearfulness are also some of the side effects of antidepressants in teenagers.

It has been proven that the use of antidepressant medications in depressed adolescents increases their risk of suicide. The symptoms described above might be signs of, and lead to, suicidal thoughts and behavior. The risk of suicide attempts is the highest during the first during the first two months of the treatment. This is a serious problem that might require the hospitalization of the sufferer in a mental institution.

Given these disturbing facts it can be concluded that the antidepressant medications are dangerous for depressed teens and their effectiveness is questionable. However, this is just one side of the argument. Many mental health care providers prescribe these drugs and they have a positive effect on sufferers. A recent study on depressed teenagers has concluded that the treatment with psychotherapy and antidepressants is approximately two times more effective than the therapy alone.

It is worth asking yourself the question whether a treatment involving antidepressant use will be beneficial for your child or not. The reality is that this cannot be estimated with certainty. The risks of antidepressants for teenagers are not small. In addition, the side effects of these drugs on adolescents are not fully understood yet. On the other hand, the medications might contribute to psychotherapy and make the treatment more effective and faster.

Overall, every parent of a depressed teen should consider the risks of antidepressants. If such treatment is chosen, it will require the full dedication of both parents and the mental health care provider of the child. The taking of such drugs has to be monitored constantly. Parents should pay greater attention to their teenager. They have to be prepared to act adequately in case the child exhibits potentially dangerous symptoms and/or attempts suicide. The patient should be examined regularly by their physician or other medical care provider.