What warning signs should you watch for when your child is taking antidepressants?

Sometimes the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts or self-harm are difficult to see, and your child may not directly tell you about such thoughts. Here are some signs that your child's condition may be worsening or that he or she may be at risk of self-harm:

• Talk of suicide or dying
• Suicide attempts
• Self-injury
• Agitation or restlessness
• New or worsening anxiety or panic attacks
• Irritability
• Increasing sadness or worsening of depression symptoms
• Impulsiveness
• Extreme increase in talking, energy or activity
• Aggression, violence or hostility
• Trouble sleeping or worsening insomnia
• Spending more time alone

Contact your child's health care professional right away if any of these signs occur, if they get worse, or if they worry you, your child, a teacher or other caregiver.

Make sure your child doesn't stop antidepressant treatment without the guidance of the prescribing doctor. Suddenly stopping an antidepressant may cause flu-like symptoms, an increase in anxiety and other side effects referred to as discontinuation syndrome. Stopping too suddenly may also result in the return of depression symptoms.