USF-LVHN SELECT

Tolerability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in thirty-nine children under age seven: a retrospective chart review.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-1-2007

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the adverse effects of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) started in children under age 7 yr.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for all children who had begun treatment with an SSRI under age 7 at an academic psychiatry department in Boston.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine children (26 males, 13 females) met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at start of treatment was 5.9 +/- 0.8 yr, and median treatment duration was 5.0 months. The target diagnoses for SSRI treatment were anxiety disorders in 54%, depressive disorders in 23%, and both anxiety and depressive disorders in 20% of patients. There were no reports of suicidal ideation or attempt. No children were medically or psychiatrically hospitalized for adverse effects (AEs). Eleven patients (28%) reported an AE of at least moderate severity; 7 (18%) discontinued the SSRI due to the AE. Six patients discontinued due to behavioral activation and 1 due to gastrointestinal upset. The median time to onset of an AE was 23 days, and median resolution was 19 days from onset.

CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of adverse effects, especially activation, in this sample argues for continued caution in using SSRIs in young children. Controlled trials are warranted.

Volume

17

Issue

2

First Page

165

Last Page

174

ISSN

1044-5463

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

17489711

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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