Antidepressant use by preschoolers rising

THE WASHINGTON TIMES ^ | April 3, 2004 | Joyce Howard Price

[neverdem]

The study examined antidepressant use from 1998 to 2002 among 2 million youngsters ages 18 and younger who were covered by commercial health insurance. About one in 15 children in the United States is covered by commercial insurance, according to officials of Express Scripts Inc. of St. Louis, which conducted the study.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Gee Whiz... Thanks!

That is about the last response I was expecting--and I'm grateful!

[Marie Antoinette]

This is just *wrong*. Kids need to run around in the sunshine and fresh air! They need exercise and to explore outdoors. I would be depressed too, if I were cooped up all day away from my family.

Unfortunately, what was once common sense/common knowledge has been lost. It will now take several "studies" (gov't funded of course) to remind society of these things.

[Dianna]

This is just *wrong*. Kids need to run around in the sunshine and fresh air! They need exercise and to explore outdoors. I would be depressed too, if I were cooped up all day away from my family.

You are right. Some kids aren't getting much chance to be kids. Think of all the chaos some parents create for them! And there is probably a very small number of kids who have brain based problems. My own son was anxious well before 3 YO, and continues to be today. Luckily, we saw it and found other ways to help him cope.

Like everything else though, some kids will be snared in the net who don't belong there. It's the nature of the beast.

[PGalt]

Thanks for the ping, links. Topic that hits home. My best friend, my cousin Steve, committed suicide 3 weeks ago. About 10 days later the FDA came out with the anti-depressant warning. My initial thoughts were that the antidepressants were not helpful, but a weapon against HIM. Thanks for the links, topic, comments...pro and con.