... and damned if you don’t

A couple of years ago, studies indicated that some children and teens taking antidepressants were at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. At the time, I thought that anyone eligible for an antidepressant prescription is, by definition, at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Nevertheless, the FDA ordered antidepressant manufacturers to provide a warning about the possible link between antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behavior among children and teens.

Now, two years later, another study finds a recent spike in youth suicides. The spike coincides with the FDA order referred to above. It seems that the warning is accomplishing its immediate goal: fewer youngsters are taking the medicine. Whether the warning is accomplishing its ultimate goal seems open to question.

(Hat tip to Drug & Device Law.)