American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) actions have led the American Medical Association House of Delegates (AMA HOD) to conduct an independent and comprehensive review of the current scientific data pertaining to the safety and efficacy of the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants in the treatment of children and adolescents with psychiatric illnesses.
For immediate release:
June 22, 2005
Contact:
Kristin Kroeger Ptakowski, Deputy Executive Director
202.966.7300, ext. 108, kkroeger@aacap.org
Jim Wood, Director Development and Communications
202.966.7300, ext. 120, jwood@aacap.org
CHICAGO — American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) actions have led the American Medical Association House of Delegates (AMA HOD) to conduct an independent and comprehensive review of the current scientific data pertaining to the safety and efficacy of the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants in the treatment of children and adolescents with psychiatric illnesses.
The decision came as the result of a resolution introduced by the AACAP during the AMA HOD interim meeting in December 2004. The resolution was developed in response to concerns expressed by AACAP members following the FDA decision to require “black box” warnings for all antidepressants used in the treatment of children and adolescents. “We felt that this action was not clearly supported by the available science,” said Richard Sarles, M.D., AACAP President. “We were also concerned that the decision could reduce access to necessary and appropriate treatment options for children and adolescents with depression.”
The report supports the position and previous statements of the AACAP. It confirms that medication can be an important component of treatment for some children and adolescents with depression. It further asks the FDA to evaluate the impact of their regulatory actions on treatment patterns, patient compliance and access to care.
David Fassler, M.D., AACAP delegate to the AMA HOD, commended the AMA for their action. He noted, “This is a helpful and balanced report. It’s an important contribution to the ongoing public discussion of this complex and controversial topic. I think it will be reassuring to both physicians and parents.”
The AMA also supported a related resolution introduced by the AACAP and co-sponsored by the American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law requesting the AMA to prepare a report on depression, substance abuse and suicide on college campuses. The resolution also requests a review of the available scientific data on the efficacy of suicide prevention programs on college campuses, the utilization of college mental health and substance abuse treatment services, and to advocate for the development of guidelines regarding access to psychiatric and other mental health services on college campuses.
Dr. Fassler was pleased with the AMA HOD agreement to study depression and suicide on college campuses and noted “Significant psychiatric illnesses, including depression, are increasingly common on college campuses. This resolution will enhance our knowledge and understanding about the actual incidence and effective treatment of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders among college students. We look forward to working collaboratively on this important initiative.”
Representing over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
Our Facts for Families, available free of charge on the AACAP website, provide concise and up-to-date information on a wide array of issues relating to children’s mental health. Written in a simple, straightforward manner, these 88 one-page fact sheets are valuable to anyone raising or working with children. In addition, the AACAP routinely refers the media to expert spokespeople on child and adolescent issues, and sponsors The Campaign for America’s Kids – an initiative designed to fund an Advocacy Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with the goal of mental health for all children.
AACAP Mission: The Mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.
