title: Iatrogenic comorbidity in childhood and adolescence: new insights from the use of antidepressant drugs.
abstract: The term "iatrogenic comorbidity" refers to unfavorable modifications in the course of an illness, with regard to its characteristics and responsiveness, which may be related to previous treatments. Some iatrogenic adverse events arising from either pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy cannot be subsumed under the traditional rubric of adverse effects and require careful evaluation. Children and adolescents are generally more likely to experience adverse health consequences after drug treatment. The use of antidepressant drugs in this age group may cause potential long-term detrimental effects, such as mood elevation that does not subside when drugs are discontinued and may predispose to the development of a bipolar disorder. The concept of iatrogenic comorbidity in children and adolescents has heuristic value in weighing potential benefits and risks associated particularly with psychotropic treatments.
authors: Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
authors: Emanuela
authors: E
authors: Offidani
authors: Giovanni A
authors: GA
authors: Fava
authors: Nicoletta
authors: N
authors: Sonino
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents