The Facts about Antidepressants

Children's Literature - Cathi I. White

Should people who have depression take antidepressants? There is controversy whether antidepressants are a cure or a problem. Some people have taken them and they have proved to be helpful, while others have had problems because of side effects such as a desire to commit suicide, especially in teens and young adults. Depression affects the whole body and changes the emotions. Some people have a mild depression that may last a year or two. Others experience major depression that changes their behavior and health making life hard to manage; while others encounter bipolar disorder. Depression causes the body to be out of sync. So how can this problem be helped or controlled? Treatment has included antidepressants but also can include therapy such as behavior, cognitive, interpersonal, and group therapies. Antidepressants are the most controversial type of treatment. Careful selection of the medicine chosen, the right doseage, and the side effects have to be taken into consideration, as well as the safety of the drug, especially for teens. Many antidepressants cause dangerous mood swings. In addition, other drugs and alcohol must be avoided. This insightful book includes these various elements to inform the reader about antidepressants. People who are depressed and their families would benefit most from reading this book. Others will gain insight to the plight of those suffering from depression. This book is part of "The Facts About Drugs" series. Reviewer: Cathi I. White