Black Box Mysteries

Black Box Mysteries

Model: Tiffany R. Editing:  Megan G.

To experts, the concept of adolescent depression seemed unusual for years. In fact, it was not actually recognized as a disease until the 1980’s. (Youth Depression, 2) Today, somewhere around 20% of American teens have experienced depression by the young age of 18 (Docksai, 1). The cause for such a sudden uprising in statistics is unknown, but specialists are looking for different cures and treatments. Most adolescents who are ready for help with their depression would prefer to have both medication and psychological therapy for treatment. However, many patients do not receive medication for depression, because of the black box warnings that drug providers were required to include on their medications since 2004. Antidepressants have been used for years, but experts are shying away from them, because of suicidal behavior in teens; however, if doctors and parents monitored the teenagers carefully enough, antidepressant drugs definitely do more good than harm in a patient’s world.

            For years, depression wasn’t looked at as a disease. It was seen as a form of heave sadness that one would eventually overcome. Even after depression had been seen as a true illness, people still saw no need for a pill. In fact, Youth Depression states, "89% of clinically depressed Americans are not using medication for their condition," (4). This is part of the reason that the adolescent suicide rate has risen so suddenly. In fact, between 2003 and 2004, the suicide rate for teens shot up by 18% (Docksai, 1).  Coincidentally, that was the same year that black-box warnings started to appear on medication containers, and parents started shying away from the medications, for fear that their child could be affected negatively.

            Whenever we take a medication, whether it be for something simple like a cough or allergies, or for something complicated like the diabetes or a virus, there are always risks we take. We are made aware of those risks though the doctors’ warnings and the text on the container for the medication.  However, on depression medications, people seem to take these warnings more seriously, perhaps too seriously, at times. In fact, many people believe that black-box warnings just make it harder for depression patients to want help. (Docksai, 2) Some argue that because anti-depressants haven’t been as popular since the recent rise in the adolescent suicide rates, perhaps the drugs are actually causing these actions. However, there are plenty of other reasons that the suicide rate has gone up. Some believe that firearms are too easily accessed by teens, which makes committing suicide that much more of a reality. (Youth Depression, 3) Something else that is overlooked is that when the teen suicide rate shot up the most in recent years (18% in 2003-2004), it was the same year that the concept of black box warnings were introduced. (Docksai, 1)

Models: Anonymous volunteers. Editing: Megan G.

            Some are not completely against anti-depressants for teens, but they do fear that not enough research has been done on them. Up until now, Extensive testing with those under 16 and anti-depressants has not been performed. (Youth Depression, 3) However, minor research has been done, and the results from that research show that 56% of adolescents on an anti-depressant showed signs of improvement, compared to the 32% of teens given a placebo. (Youth Depression, 4) The true problem here is that the people who don’t have a problem with anti-depressants automatically assume that the medication will take care of the problem, and nothing should be monitored. Most of the people who have cured depression are the people who decided to use medication, but had enough knowledge to know that behavior needs to be monitored by the teen’s parents when they are prescribed to a pill with such strength in altering emotions. The parents who have the most knowledge about depression treatments are the parents who have an easier time finding help for their child (Adamson, 5).

            Overall, the causes of depression are, more often than not, the same reasons why a teen would not get help. The number one reason adolescents don’t want to get help is the perception their families will have, once treatment has started. (Adamson, 6) A welcoming and understanding environment is essential for helping a teen overcome depression. When psychological therapy isn’t enough, anti-depressant drugs, to a certain degree, should be encouraged. If a teen feels unsure about their treatment or medication, they are less likely to take it. Black-box cautions are appropriate, but they should not be stressed as much as they are today. With a watchful eye and a supportive mind, parents and doctors can work together and help to make every teen regain the confidence it takes to overcome depression.

Model, Photography, and Editing: Amanda S.

Works Cited Page

 Adamson, David M. <http://www.rand.org> "Teen Depression Awareness Project." January 26, 2010.

Docksai, Rick. "Youth Depression and Suicide." Futurist Vol. 43, No. 1. Jan/Feb 2009: 16-17. SIRS Researcher. Web. 27 Sep 2010.

"Youth Depression" Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 28 Apr. 2000 Web. 27 Sept 1010 <http://wwww.2facts.com/article/i0500920>.