The lead author of a research paper1 in the April 8 issue hasprovided the following clarification. The initial Health Canadawarnings about the use of antidepressants were directed towardpeople aged 18 years and younger; however, in June 2004, HealthCanada expanded their warning to include all age groups. Theimplication of this omission for the study by Katz and colleaguesis that the decrease in antidepressant use among young adults(19–24 years) is not a "spillover" effect but rather isa measure of the impact of the warning on young adults. Theother events described in this study as "spillover effects"are accurately described.
REFERENCE
Katz LY, Kozyrskyj AL, Prior HJ, et al. Effect of regulatory warnings on antidepressant prescription rates, use of health services and outcomes among children, adolescents and young adults. CMAJ 2008;178:1005-1011.