[Drug treatment of depression in children and adolescents].

Antidepressants may increase suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents with depression, and should be used with great care. The article provides an overview of research that may guide the clinician when treating depression in young people. No medication should be given without a thorough evaluation of diagnoses and psychosocial problems. Psychoeducation and psychotherapy should be tried before medication is started. Fluoxetine is the first choice for depression. If it is not effective, a switch to another SSRI may prove effective. SSRIs are found to be more efficacious in adolescents than in children.