And sometimes, they respond differently to medication. In the case of teen-agers, researchers aren't fully sure how the antidepressants interact with the turbulent waves of hormonal changes during puberty. And in most cases, teen-agers initially seek treatment for different reasons than adults. While adults are typically diagnosed with biologically-based depression, most teens land in a doctor's office because of other problems, such as drinking or bad behavior. Or they have endured a traumatic event that has triggered the sadness, such as a divorce between their parents or a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Doctors recognize certain medications play out differently in teens than adults.
Traditionally, children got a lot more therapy because people were afraid to give them drugs. Now, our kids, in some ways, are society's guinea pigs. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Tallahassee Democrat is prohibited.