Les antidépresseurs chez l'enfant et l'adolescent: Mise au point des données d'efficacité et de tolérance

The evidence of the past years has shown that specific studies in children and adolescents were mandatory, as important differences in the efficacy and safety profiles of psychopharmacological drugs have been documented between pediatric and adult populations. This applies in particular to antidepressants, in which age-dependent psychobehavioral effects have been shown in a small but significant proportion of young patients. Our review focuses on current efficacy and tolerability data on antidepressants in children and adolescents. Recent collaborative multicenter trials in pediatric psychopharmacology have provided evidence-based data on the use of antidepressants as part of the treatment strategies for internalized disorders in children and adolescents. Fluoxetine has been shown effective in pediatric major depression, with a label for children above eight years old. The efficacy of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been documented in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with some SSRIs labeled for children and adolescents in this indication in both the USA. and Europe. In non-OCD anxiety disorders, clinical trials support efficacy for a number of SSRIs and venlafaxine in children and adolescents, although none has a pediatric label in these indications. We also review available data on tolerability and safety (psychobehavioral effects, including treatment-induced suicidality, long-term tolerance, lethal risk). In conclusion, we suggest decision options including all treatment modalities available for depression, OCD and other anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.