Depression in adolescents

Clinic A/P, Peds, Hospital A/P, Peds

 

Treatment
Nonpharmacologic: First do a trial of psychotherapy (CBT).
Pharmacologic:
Fluoxetine is 1st-line. Monitor the patient weekly for side effects for a month after starting fluoxetine.
Counsel about FDA’s black box warning and other side effects.
2nd-line: If fluoxetine doesn’t work, try sertraline or citalopram.

Don’t use Venlafaxine. It is associated with a greater risk of suicidal behavior or ideation than the other SSRIs.

 

FDA Black Box Warning

 

 

Further Reading
J Fam Pract 2016;65(9):632-634. Which SSRIs most effectively treat depression in adolescents?

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