Parents with teenage daughters - antidepressants

[Tiggeroo]

I have no problems with the meds, and if my children needed them I would get them. What concerns me is the meds being given without intensive counseling. If you are depressed, or having a difficult time coping, medicine may be necessary. But it should be given to make you more receptive to counseling, and behavior modification techniques. Unless a physical exam reveals a chemical inbalance. Perhaps thru counseling and medical exams it is determined that you must be on the medicine long term. This is fine. Or perhaps you would need the medicine until counseling helped you get to the root of the problem, and give you the strength and/or skills to cope. I would like to see all of our health care professionals working together for a treatment plan, MD, PsychMD, and Psychologist/counselor.
I know that clinical depression with physical precursors is diagnosed better now. But many of these teens, as stated, are dealing with difficult home lives, over busy schedules, stress over grades, etc. These seem to be candidtates for short term medication and counseling. Otherwise you are just treating the symptom and not the problem.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

You said it very well, Tiggeroo, thanks.

 

[janette]

I'm not really around teens now but would say that depression isn't new in teens. During my HS years 1973-77 we had 3 suicides. All boys 2 in my class of about 35, there were less than 150 kids in the entire HS. Then it was something you just didn't talk about, all of the things you hear about now when things happen like counseling and other services available for the students wasn't offered at all.

There maybe more kids on anti-depressants but if a Dr thought my child needed them I'd rather err on the side of caution.

I sometimes wonder how much the media plays in all of this, is it more common or just talked about more? What would they make of 3 suicides in a rural communitity in a year? There are good and bad things that come with more media attention. I think they lead us to believe that it's something new but also help us to understand the stresses and problems faced by teens.

 

[grinningghost]

Just 2 more cents from me. I can honestly say that I could have been counseled to death and it wouldn't have done one iota for my clinical depression. There was a chemical imbalance in my brain and no amount of talking would have helped. Once the meds start working, then perhaps, counseling would do something, but not until. I wouldn't have even been able to get to counseling sessions before meds. I was too panicked to drive or go out in public or anything. It would only have added to my depression and anxiety.

I just wish there was a way those who haven't ever experienced severe depression could - for just a minute. I guarantee you would all change your minds about how "real" it is. Like I said before, there's nothing darker and nothing blacker.

By the way, on meds, I'm doing great.

 

[Claudia1]

I agree with increased stresses, very heavy emotional loads, etc.... I think that adults are also scared of some very real consequences. Too many kids have committed suicide and meds (plus counseling) are tools that parents can use to save their children's lives.

I think that this post also illustrates that today's parents are trying to grasp the reality of today's teens. Certainly not the teenaged world that I experienced in the early 70's!

I am concerned about the lives that many teens are living now. In order to excel in sports, activities, etc..., the time & efforts required are Herculean. What are we teaching them about a balance life? Are they learning to run from one thing to another, without learning to enjoy an activitiy? Most active teens spend more energy and have a greater committment than many adults in the real world. They also have to make "adult" decisions on a daily basis, along with hormonal influences and sleep deprivation. When I was growing up, my parents had until my graduation to influence me. We were home together most of the time and I was very involved with school activities. Today's kids are generally out of their parents daily influences by Middle School and are often away from home most evenings and weekends.

I realize that not all teens are so busy but all teens are growing up in a crazy, wild world.

 

[luvdzny]

I think that a lot of people do not realize that depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. My DD (13) is taking meds for Obsessive, Compulsive Disorder and depression. She spent WEEKS in the hospital going through behavioral therapy - it did not help at all. This is a real physical problem in many people. If a lot of kids were being diagnosed as diabetic and taking meds for that would it be considered a "trend?" I don't think so! Teens have a way of hiding their true feelings. So many times after a suicide people say that they never realized that the person had any problems at all. The medication she takes for depression does not make her feel "high", it just helps her to get through the day. I guess if you have never had any expierence with depression it is hard to imagine it, but I am sure most of the kids (including my DD) would love to be off the medication - she does not think it is cool at all. She is actually embarrased that she has to take it. My opinion (based on experience) is that being on anti-depressants it not a "cool trend" but a neccessity for many teens.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Of course if you have a chemical imbalance you should take meds. If you have any symptoms at all go to a dr.

Unless a physical exam reveals a chemical inbalance

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I agree that if there is a chemical imbalance meds are in order.

HOWEVER, I have dealt with many parents who simply insist that the Dr. "DO SOMETHING, QUICK".

I would always, always, always recommend a second opinion. In our situation, DH and I have a pharmacy degree and a BA in psych, and it would be a last resort with a second opinion to confirm that meds and/or counseling is necessary.

My best friend in HS was on antidepressants, but they went through extensive testing and evaluation to assure that this was the correct course of treatment. In her case, it was. She is now a very successful MD, by the way.