Last winter, after news releases issued by various agencies for health monitoring warning against a possible risk of suicidal behavior in adolescents treated with antidepressants, a ban was imposed in Britain and Canada. More flexible, the Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé (AFSSAPS) did not advocate a ban, preferring to remember thatpsychotherapy should be the first-line treatmentof depressed children and adolescents.
After several months of study and reflection, Afssaps has not really changed their position. Here is his conclusion, announced jointly with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).
'Antidepressants authorized adult in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, are not allowed in children and adolescents, except for the treatment oftroubles obsessionnels compulsifs (OCD) or attention deficit disorder withhyperactivity(ADHD) for some of them. '
In fact, in France, Zoloft ® (sertraline) and Floxyfral ® (fluvoxamine) have an indication in children and adolescents in the treatment of OCD, whereas atomoxetine is indicated in some European Union countries in the treatment of ADHD.
Thus, depending on the exact terms of Afssaps, 'prescription of antidepressants, if considered, should intervene in second intention, as part of a major depression, with a consideration of all expected benefits and risks.
In practice, in some cases a doctor may consider it necessary to prescribe an antidepressant in a child or young person, based on individual clinical need. This treatment must be accompanied by close monitoring of the patient and the search for suicidal behavior (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts), particularly early in treatment.
A reassuring fact prescription
Parallel to this analysis of scientific data and clinical Afssaps was to assess the current arrangements for use of these medicines in children under 18 years in France.
According to a first estimate, 40,000 children and adolescents are affected each year. However, the use of these antidepressants is often short term, it is not systematic, and above all, is not a substitute for psychotherapy.
To reinforce this, Afssaps will establish a pharmaco-epidemiological monitoring of antidepressants and conduct information to health professionals and the general public.


