Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: 10 Years After the Food and Drug Administration Black Box Warning

Depression in children, adolescents, and young adults can jeopardize health status, well-being, and development. Almost a decade ago, risks and benefits of antidepressant use in this group prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ask manufacturers to include black box warnings on antidepressant prescriptions. This article reviews initial FDA decisions related to black box warnings for antidepressants in youth, reviews effects of the warnings, and considers clinical implications of prescribing antidepressants for treatment of youth depression. Health care providers must consider the risks and benefits of initiating antidepressant medication treatment, closely monitoring adherence, patient outcomes, and suicidal ideation.