Antidepressants for Teenagers: What Parents Need to Know

When your teenager is struggling with depression, you want to help—but navigating treatment options can feel overwhelming. Roughly 1 in 5 teens experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, making it crucial to know how to support them. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we help families throughout Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta find effective, safe treatment for their adolescents.

Understanding Teen Depression

Teen depression goes beyond normal mood swings. It can affect grades, friendships, family relationships, and even lead to self-harm. Warning signs include persistent sadness, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and talk of death or suicide.

It's important to remember: depression isn't a reflection of the teen or their upbringing. It's a medical condition that responds to treatment.

Can Teens Take Antidepressants?

Yes, but with important considerations. All antidepressants carry a black box warning about increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25. However, for many teens with severe depression, the benefits of medication outweigh the risks—especially with proper monitoring.

FDA-approved options for adolescent depression include:

• Lexapro (escitalopram): Approved for ages 12 and older
• Prozac (fluoxetine): Approved for ages 8 and older

Other medications may be prescribed off-label when appropriate. Dr. Aneel Ursani works closely with families to weigh risks and benefits for each individual teen.

Safety Considerations

When a teen starts antidepressants, close monitoring is essential. Watch for changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few weeks. Creating a safe home environment—securing firearms and medications—adds an extra layer of protection.

Long-term antidepressant use is generally considered safe, and research suggests that proper treatment may actually prevent future depressive episodes.

Other Treatment Options

Medication isn't the only option. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for teen depression, often used alongside or instead of medication. CBT helps teens identify unhealthy thought patterns and develop healthier coping skills.

Many teens benefit from a combination approach: therapy plus medication when needed.

Finding Help for Your Teen

If your teenager is showing signs of depression, don't wait to seek help. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Our team at Next Step Psychiatry provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for adolescents throughout the Atlanta metro area.

Whether your teen attends school in Gwinnett County, Dekalb County, or elsewhere in Metro Atlanta, we're here to help your family navigate this challenging time.

If your teen is having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 immediately.