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September 20, 2009
FDA warnings on antidepressants may have failed to curb teen suicides.
In an analysis of FDA warnings on the use of antidepressants by teens, Arthur Allen wrote in Slate (9/15), "The FDA warnings, which came about because of worry that antidepressants might cause young people to commit suicide, have not caused suicide rates to drop, and may have even caused doctors to withhold treatment for those who need it."
Perhaps we "can't fault the FDA for this. Anxiety about the use of" selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors "has grown with their use" due to "our profound philosophical concerns about the prescribing of mind-altering medications, especially in children." Perhaps the black-box warnings were "as good a method as any to test a hypothesis on public health." Once the impact of the warning "becomes clearer, it may also help us clarify our thoughts about the role of pills in shaping our thoughts and actions."
Related Links:
- Listening to the Black Box," Arthur Allen, Slate, Septemberf 15, 2009.
Posted by admin at September 20, 2009 03:48 PM