By Dr. Poonam Khanna, D.O./Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Medication is an important aspect of depression treatment. Often, a chemical imbalance in the brain can cause depression, and medication can work to regulate that. Medicine can treat the symptoms, but it can’t heal depression alone. Medication is most effective when paired with therapy.
Most commonly, a teen suffering from depression is prescribed antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These types of drugs include:
- Prozac
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Celexa
- Lexapro
- Luvox
Your doctor will be able to tell you what medication will work best for your teen based on his or her unique needs.
Behavioral and supportive therapy can help teens change destructive thoughts, and teaching positive thinking can help prevent depression in teens.