SEROTONIN SELECTIVE REUPTAKE INHIBITORS IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY - A REVIEW OF PUBLISHED EXPERIENCE

Background: This review summarizes the published clinical experience w ith the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in children an d adolescents. Method: A computerized literature search was conducted using MEDLINE back to 1986 to retrieve all reports of SSRI use in chil dren and adolescents. Additional hand searches were performed with key journals. All reports relating clinical experience of SSRIs in childr en or adolescents were collated according to primary diagnosis. Result s: We found 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (65 pat ients), 16 open-label trials (322 patients), and 23 case reports (41 p atients) on the use of SSRIs in younger populations. The reports descr ibed clinical effects, mostly benefits, for 13 indications. A theoreti cal rationale exists for use of SSRIs in most conditions for which the y are prescribed, Conclusion: The most convincing evidence for efficac y for SSRIs in adolescents exists for treatment of depression and obse ssive-compulsive disorder. Only sparse evidence, mostly anecdotal, exi sts for efficacy in other conditions. The reported side effects were m odest, but behavioral disturbances in some cases limit recommendations and warrant caution for widespread use.