The parents of an adolescent who has a history of depression are conce

The parents of an adolescent who has a history of depression are concerned because the physician has prescribed an SSRI antidepressant for their child. What information should the nurse use to formulate a response to these parents’ concerns?

1. These medications are addictive and difficult to discontinue when the depressive incident is past.
2. It is difficult for teenagers to manage the dosage regimen for many of these drugs because they must be taken with a full meal.
3. There is an FDA warning regarding antidepressant use in teenagers and the increased risk of suicide.
4. Most of the SSRI antidepressant medications will deliver a marked improvement in depression within 3 to 4 days of the first dose.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Although the client may come to depend upon the medication relieving depression, the drugs are not addictive.
Rationale 2: The medications must be taken with sufficient water, but a full meal is not necessary.
Rationale 3: The major concern regarding use of antidepressants and teenagers is the increased risk for suicide.
Rationale 4: Most of the SSRI antidepressant medications take at least 1 to 2 weeks to improve symptoms.