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SSRI withdrawal syndrome in children and adolescents: a narrative literature review

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Version 2 2024-01-09, 07:20
Version 1 2023-12-28, 06:38
journal contribution
revised on 2024-01-09, 07:15 and posted on 2024-01-09, 07:20 authored by Yasser Saeed Khan, Mohamed Adil Shah Khoodoruth, Yahia Albobali, Peter M. Haddad

Introduction

While there is considerable published evidence regarding the nature and severity of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) discontinuation symptoms in the adult population, information relating to the child and adolescent population remains scarce. This narrative review examined the published literature on SSRI withdrawal symptoms in the under−18-year-old age group. MEDLINE and PsycINFO were comprehensively searched from inception to 5 May 2023.

Areas Covered

This review highlights the importance of recognizing SSRI withdrawal in children and adolescents and summarizes available literature and guidelines for safe discontinuation.

Expert Opinion

Evidence of the presence of SSRI withdrawal phenomenon in children and adolescents mainly originates from case reports and extrapolated adult data. Existing data on SSRI withdrawal syndrome in children and adolescents is therefore limited, and there is a need for formal research in this specific population to establish with more certainty the nature and extent of SSRI withdrawal syndrome. Nevertheless, there is currently enough evidence available for prescribing clinicians to provide psychoeducation to patients and families about the possibility of withdrawal symptoms when SSRI treatment is considered. The need for gradual and planned discontinuation should also be discussed for safe withdrawal.

Other Information

Published in: Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14740338.2023.2224557

Funding

Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.

History

Language

  • English

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publication Year

  • 2023

License statement

This Item is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Institution affiliated with

  • Hamad Medical Corporation
  • Mental Health Service - HMC
  • Hamad Bin Khalifa University
  • College of Health and Life Sciences - HBKU