children and zoloft

[jennymom158]

My daughter is 9.  and has been an angry, sad child for as long as i can remember.  she has just recently started seeing a counsler and psychiatrist.  After just one meeting, the psychiatrist wants my daughter to start taking zoloft, specifically for depression.  I went to zoloft .com and realized it is recommended for OCD in children, but not depression.  It goes on, stating that in clinical trials there were no connections between zoloft and suicide in children either with OCD or drepression.  I want to help my daughter be happy, but why would the psychiatrist place her on a medication which is not approved by the FDA??

[mammo]

Zoloft has been around a long time and IS FDA approved. Doctors can not prescribe anything that's not FDA approved. It's sad that your little girl is experiencing this at such a young age, but wonderful that she has a mom who will help her.  

[whodunnit]

Jenny,

Your child is 9. Drugs are not the answer. You are. Why are children sad and angry? Usually because of things that happen to them although there are those that have depression from birth, or at least the tendency to attain such.

If you suffer depression, or your partner does or did then that is where the problem likely comes from and won't be cured by pills. Pills are given to children to keep them quiet so adults can feel better, not the child.

Sorry to be so blunt but it's the truth. At 9 years of age her brain is but part formed and introducing drugs now will surely harm her development long term. Please research this before you act. I'm glad you are questioning this docs advice as it shows how much you care. You must really be almost out of your mind with worry in trying to help your daughter. It's a dreadful choice and I wish you good judgement in finding an answer for her.

Has she been examined for all possible physical causes? Too many docs today are ready to prescribe when physical testing must be done thoroughly first.

[Athena_M]

Medicine is a wonderful thing most of the time.  Why not try this medicine?  Your daughter's brain my not be producing the right amount of serotonin that may be why she is sad and angry.  The medication will give her brain what it needs and then you can also do some therapy with her.

Has something bad happened to her?  A molestation or something?  What is she so angry about?  

I know when I take my antideppresant my brain feels well "happier".  Then it comes to a point where the medicine isn't needed for a while.