If left untreated, depression can worsen and make life difficult for your adolescent
and the entire family.
Depression in adolescents is associated with:*
- High risk of completed and attempted suicide
- Significant morbidity
- Other psychiatric disorders
- Adult depression
- Disruptive behavior
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Withdrawal from peers
- School absenteeism and decreased performance
- Disruption of social functioning (work, school, relationships)
- Emotional distress
- Early pregnancy
- Physical illness
*The effect of Lexapro on these outcomes has not been studied.
How can treatment help?
The appropriate treatment plan for your adolescent is important because it may help
your adolescent:
- Feel better
- Improve social and family relationships
- Improve performance at school
- Enjoy activities and hobbies more
- Get greater enjoyment out of life
What are the treatment options?
A comprehensive treatment plan works best. It may include:
Psychotherapy (cognitive behavior therapy or talk therapy)
- It can help to change negative thoughts/ behaviors and develop better relationships.
Medication
Lexapro is an FDA approved medication for the treatment of MDD in adolescents aged
12 to 17. When medication is recommended, talk to the healthcare professional
about whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Also know that medication may only
be one part of the treatment plan. Make sure that you, your adolescent, and the
healthcare professional closely monitor treatment. For more information, see
Treatment with Lexapro.
Why do antidepressants have a Black Box Warning?
In October 2004, the FDA required a special warning ("Black Box Warning") for all
antidepressants. The FDA had conducted a review of the clinical trials of antidepressants
and had concluded that, although no suicides occurred in these trials, there was
an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and
young adults taking antidepressants compared with those taking a placebo (sugar
pill).
A Black Box Warning does not mean that antidepressants are prohibited in younger
patients, but instead encourages healthcare professional to balance this risk of increased
suicidality with the benefits of treatment. The Black Box Warning also states that depression itself can cause suicidal thinking or behavior. The Black Box Warning emphasizes the
need for close monitoring of patients, especially during the first few months of
treatment and at the time of dose changes.
NEXT: TREATMENT WITH LEXAPRO