positive effects on children taking anti-depressants??

Question

can someone help me with this? im looking for some positive short-term and long-term effects on kids taking anti-depressants such as prozac, ritalin, zoloft, anafranil, etc.. can someone help me and please cite the sources! thanks!

Answer 1

Positive is that they'll feel better, but if it can be prevented they really shouldn't take them. There are often cases where some sort of application will ask about depression history and your child may not be accepted into whatever it is they're applying for if they have this history.

The only example I can think of now is exchange programs. Certain countries, regardless of the exchange program, are only willing to accept students without that history. Japan, for example, will automatically reject anyone with any sort of "mental" problem in their history, and that includes depression. I'm sure there is something else such as a college application that could also be affected.

Mentally it can also have a downfall. If this child or teen takes the drugs they might grow used to the idea that they NEED these pills, and it will be almost like an addiction. They might develop thoughts that tell them that without their pills they will be depressed even though they don't need them anymore.

I don't think anti-depressants are a good idea. The problem should be confronted in a different manner.

Answer 2

They are used to help the patient cope and manage the depression but they do not solve the base problem.

Answer 3

Believe it or not anti-depressants are used to help children quit wetting the bed.

Answer 4

They'll feel better about themselves and be happier.