SSRIs and depression in children and adolescents: the imperative for shared decision-making.
OBJECTIVE
In the context of controversy and uncertainty about the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of depressive disorders in children and adolescents, we consider the evidence of the benefits and risks of this class of medication and the possible role of shared decision-making as a practical way to guide clinicians, young people and their families through treatment decisions.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that there is an imperative for clinicians to engage young people in a process of shared decision-making, given the uncertainties about SSRI medication in this age group. Shared decision-making provides a way for clinicians to engage young people and ensure they receive the treatment required for this disorder, the potential outcomes of which are severe.
Hetrick
Sarah
S
ORYGEN Research Centre & Headspace, National Youth Mental Health Foundation, The Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia. shetrick@unimelb.edu.au
Simmons
Magenta
M
Merry
Sally
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors