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