Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use
Our work involves mental health promotion and the prevention of mental, neurological and substance use disorders. We support the expansion of access to affordable, quality care for everyone who needs it.
Antidepressants (Tricyclic Antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) in children 6-12 years of age with depressive episode/disorder
2023 update
Recommendation(s)
Antidepressants (Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)) should not be used for the treatment of children 6-12 years of age with depressive episode/disorder in non-specialist settings.Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Quality of evidence: LOW
Pharmacological interventions are not recommended in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Certainty of evidence:
Antidepressant medicines (ADMs) are not recommended for the treatment of children 12 years of age and below with depressive episode/disorder.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Certainty of evidence:
If psychosocial interventions alone prove ineffective in adolescents (13–17 years) with moderate-to-severe depression, referral to or consultation with a specialist to undertake a more comprehensive assessment and to explore initiation of fluoxetine in combination with psychological treatments should be offered.
Strength of recommendation: STRONG
Certainty of evidence: