There has been so much controversy about mental health medications for children. What does an educational and advocacy organization like the National Mental Health Association have to say about it?

The National Mental Health Association commends the Food and Drug Administration for initiating its review in January 2004 of the clinical use of antidepressant medications in youth. More scientific research is needed on the safety of all medications prescribed to children. Very little research has been done on children and medications of any type, yet there is no question that a group of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are crucial in treating serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as severe depression.

Although the safety issue cannot be ignored, we cannot let the discussion about antidepressant medication overshadow the public health crisis of untreated mental disorders in children. In the U.S., only one-third of children needing mental health treatment receive it, and even fewer receive appropriate care. Depression alone affects one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents. By failing to provide appropriate treatments and interventions to children with mental or emotional disorders, we risk harming their social and educational development, which can lead to academic failure, substance abuse problems or involvement in the juvenile justice system. According to a report of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 80 percent of young people in the juvenile justice system have a mental or substance abuse disorder.

Parents of children with mental health problems face incredible barriers to getting needed treatment, including fragmented service systems, primary care providers who lack specialized training, too few pediatric mental health specialists, insurance obstacles, a lack of quality school programs and trained personnel, complex policies obstructing access to needed treatment, including medications, and – perhaps the worst of all – stigma.

The stigma surrounding mental illness limits a family’s ability to obtain effective services. Misinformation dissuades parents from seeking proven treatments for their children. Stigma and lack of information contribute to the misperception that we are “drugging our children.” In reality, children and their families need access to a broad range of services, which for some children may include medication. We call on FDA to guard against overreaction. We urge that the needs and best interests of children not be swept aside by shrill calls - some from those who deny that mental illness even exists - for sweeping action that would deprive children of access to treatment and support. NMHA believes that the approach to antidepressant medications for youth with major depressive disorder must be measured. We must ensure that treatments for children are safe and effective through increased research and the sharing of all clinical findings. And we must be mindful of the many, many children with mental health needs who benefit greatly from these medications.

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