A special warning was released by the FDA on antidepressants such as Zoloft because of the results of studies done on the drugs. Based on the Archives of General Psychiatry, an article published on their March issue indicated that the use of antidepressants in children and young adolescents may increase the chances of suicidal ideations. Although no suicide attempts were made, the increase in suicide thoughts and ideations among the pediatric patients who were part of the study was observed. The result and other studies similar to this are touted as controversial as some in the medical community continues to reject the presented facts. Even though the FDA required a special warning to be placed on the labels, the organization is not prohibiting the use of the medications in children and young adolescents. It is not advised to immediately stop the use of the drug as severe complications such as an SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome may take place.
 

Suicide Ideations
A definition on suicidal ideation indicated that it is the want to take your own life. It simply means that you want to commit suicide. This does not include the very act of committing suicide but generally, this term is used if one wishes to do the act including the ways on how to do it. Suicidal ideations can most often be a result of major depression and/or bipolar disorder. One should not ignore any individual who expresses a wish to die.


A suicide ideation can be classified into two and they are:

- Active
The person has a definite plan on how to perform the act.
- Passive
No plans were made but the desire to commit suicide was verbalized.

Suicidal ideations can be the person's way in seeking help. If a person happens to verbalize suicidal thoughts and ideations, it is highly advised that he/she be taken to medical professionals who can help. By paying attention to a person in this situation, you might have actually saved a life.  
 

How to Manage Suicide Ideations

Home treatment is not advised for people with major disorder or any other type of mental disorder. If the case is severe, admission to a medical facility is necessary and generally, antidepressants like Zoloft is given. Your physician will however weigh down the pros and cons of the medication according to your condition because side effects such as Zoloft birth defects can affect pregnant women and those of childbearing age. Since Zoloft may also increase the risk of suicide ideations in children, an alternative treatment option may be considered.

In the U.S., an estimated 17 million adult Americans are known to have depression during a 1-year period. Depression is a mental disorder that has been misunderstood over time. People view it as a sign of weakness rather than an illness that requires support and medical attention. Wrong diagnosis is also common in depression because its symptoms can be identified in other mental disorders. Antidepressant medications are usually given when the diagnosis is made. One medication often prescribed is Zoloft. However, this can be a disadvantage because antidepressants including Zoloft, are linked with the increased risk of suicide thoughts in children and young adolescents. Apart from that,  the report that Zoloft can cause more than the cardiac birth defects when taken during pregnancy is alarming. There are alternative treatments to depression aside from medications and that includes psychotherapy.


What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a treatment modality performed in patients suffering from major depression but is also applicable for other mental disorders. This treatment plan sees the individual as a person with normal response to experience and survival. Psychotherapy tries to understand the person and heals him/her knowing the root of the condition unlike the medical model where it is viewed as a disease. The approach of psychodynamics to depression is that it is a defense mechanism or a coping behaviour of an individual to avoid further pain or suffering, emotionally speaking.


How Can Psychotherapy Help?

The initial goal is to help the person gain self-awareness. Your therapist can help identify problems contributing to your depression and might help in making you understand which of those can be solved or improved. He/she can also point out negative behaviours or ideations that come with the illness. Your therapist is there to help you understand the meaning behind your thoughts and feelings. He/she can help you establish coping mechanisms ideal for your situation so you can have the ultimate goal which is to regain control and pleasure in life. Psychotherapy can be paired with drugs as this is helpful in relieving the symptoms of depression. However, side effects from medications can happen like the birth defects caused by Zoloft, a type of antidepressant.


Related Article:
Zoloft Increases Birth Defect Risks (angelenamays.wordpress.com)

Suicide is regarded as a major killer of the young.  In 2007, suicide is regarded as the 10th leading cause of death in America with numbers reaching as high as 34, 598 deaths. The third leading cause of death in people aging from 15-24 is suicide. A lot of us don-t understand why people end their lives at their own hands. This is a complicated behaviour which is due to a number of factors. Depression is viewed as one of the main reasons why an individual decides to take one-s life. It can be managed using medications such as Zoloft, but the risks when taking Zoloft especially during pregnancy may not be worth it.

Based on research, a variety of factors may contribute for one to commit suicide such as:

Biopsychosocial Factors
- Mental Disorders such as depression, substance abuse, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders like borderline or a combination of them.
- Family History of Suicide
- History of trauma and violence
- Major physical illness like cancer and diabetes
- Previous suicidal attempts

Environmental Factors
- Job or financial loss
- Strain in relationships
- Easy access to things used for suicide such as firearms or poisons
 
Socio-cultural Risk Factors
- Lack of a good support system
- Inability to access quality health care especially for mental health
- Cultural and religious beliefs (other beliefs perceive suicide as a noble act such as Harakiri in Japan)
- Exposure to suicidal behaviours

The risks for attempted suicide are more difficult to identify because recognizing suicidal behaviours may be relative. The risk factors can be found in a lot of individuals but they are not suicidal. Based on statistics, women are less likely to commit suicide than men. Imbalance in serotonin, a kind of neurotransmitter has been established as a major risk for suicide. This might serve as an explanation on why 90 percent of those who commit suicide have mental disorders.

Medications may help in the management of the disorder but some reports indicated that it can worsen the condition that might lead to the commission of suicide. A public health advisory was released by FDA for Zoloft because short term studies in children and young adults shows increased risk of suicide attempts and ideations and also, reports of Zoloft birth defects were made by women who took the medication during pregnancy.


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