January 2004
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575 Reads
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2 Citations
Objective: One of the most powerful medications that have very broad aspects of clinical application are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). We use SSRI as a first choice agents in treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and some anxiety disordes. Objective: To analyze the outcome of treatment of adolescent depresion with SSRI’s, considering the age group, disorder categories, response to treatment and side effects. Methods: A retrospective epidemiological investigation was conducted by means of medical records for all adolescent treated with sertraline during six months period at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Belgrade. The clinical response to treatment was rated by Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Results: 5 boys and 10 girls (mean age 15.7) were treated with sertraline during the first episode of depression; administred doses were 50–75 mg per day. 86% of patients improved, 10% droped out because of economic reasons, and 4% experienced side affects (nausea, vomiting, headache). Conclusion: Sertraline is potent, safe and effective in the treatment of young people with first episode of depression.