Scientific studies link antidepressant drugs to increased suicidal tendencies in teenagers and children.

A warning was issued in early 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning of a possible link between the taking of antidepressants by children and teenagers and suicidal behavior. Since then scientific evidence has confirmed these warnings linking suicidal behavior with antidepressant drugs. The fact is the FDA knew of the link well before they were forced by overwhelming evidence to issue the warning. Antidepressant medication, like all prescription medication, can have significant and often detrimental side effects and should not be given to young children or teenagers. There are safe and very effective treatments available that cost a fraction of typical medications used for the control of depression. The really good news is that anyone, regardless of age, can benefit without needing a doctor's prescription. Why not explore the possibility of taking a safe, cheap, natural and effective remedy for the treatment of depression that works regardless of age. 

Depression can dramatically effect your ability to function normally and can range from mild to severe. Fortunately most depressions resolve themselves over a relatively short period ranging anywhere from a few days to as long as eight months. In cases not involving chronic depression psychiatric help is an excellent alternative to antidepressant drugs, although obviously it may not work as quickly as taking drugs. Drugs only mask the symptoms and don't tackle the underlying causes of the depression which is why professional psychological help can be an important first step to finding a resolution. Even better is when an herbal remedy is combined with psychiatric help to speed the recovery process.

An herbal remedy known as hypericum, or St John's Wort, can be an extremely effective treatment in place of antidepressant drugs. This herbal extract has been used extensively in Germany to treat depression. Psychiatrist Harold Bloomfield, in his book "Hypericum & Depression" presents the argument that using hypericum is a better alternative than FDA approved drugs for mild to moderate depression. Even though a prescription is not required to use St John's Wort it should only be used under the supervision of a physician familiar with this form of treatment for mild to moderate depression.

Given that there are proven, effective and safe treatments for most forms of depression antidepressant drugs should only be used as an absolute last resort.