“Should I put my teenager on antidepressants?”

He needs to see a psychiatrist and if the physician thinks that your son needs an antidepressant than you have to start him on it. We take depression very lightly and people can commit suicide because of depression. Therefore a good physician has to be involved.

I would say no. There is considerable evidence that antidepressants used in adolescents cause increased suicidal tendencies and aggression. In my experience, adolescents respond very well if they find a good therapist. Many adolescents need help in navigating a difficult time of development, but the idea that antidepressants are the best treatment is a myth, not to mention a dangerous myth.

Tony Stanton, MD

Yes but only after a very conscientious evaluation by a psychiatrist who may or not prescribe an “antidepressant”, depending on the cause. The biggest risk of not medically treating a genuine clinical depression is Suicide.
Josue