SSRI treatment for under-18s

Mark Voysey has summarized the challenge facing physicians who treat depressed children. Two additional and more detailed critiques of the published and unpublished evidence1^,2 are now available, and these reports underscore the fact that our evidence base has been distorted by selective publication and interpretation of data. However, as Voysey points out, a practical approach is required, and this may include judicious prescription of medication in individual cases, particularly in the presence of anxiety disorders, with appropriate monitoring.3 However, evidence-based psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy4 need to be made more available.

E. Jane Garland Clinical Professor, Psychiatry University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC