[Serotonin reuptake inhibitors in children. Warnings on the administration, results analysis, and recommendations].

Recent reports and recommendations from national and international health care regulatory authorities have informed us that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are contraindicated as new treatment for those under 18 years of age with depressive illness. They conclude that SSRI carry the risk of increased suicide-related behavior; although there was no completed suicide. The European Medicine Agency (EMEA) and German regulatory agency (BfArM) advise that these components generally should not be used in this age group except in their other, approved indications. However, it is acknowledged that they may sometimes be chosen, depending on individual clinical needs. Based on these data, the Commission for Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychopharmacology of the German Scientific Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy is trying to give recommendations for the use of SSRI in clinical practice. Recent studies demonstrate that combining SSRI with psychological treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in depressed children and adolescents.