A trending social media post claims without evidence that psychiatric medication causes poor mental health and violent behavior. The post specifically references the 1999 Columbine school shooting as being linked to antidepressants. The post received over 1,000 comments, with many agreeing with the baseless claim that antidepressants worsen mental health and cause violent behavior in children and teens.
Recommendation
In light of concerns about antidepressants, communicators may explain that these medications have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and are most effective in people experiencing moderate or severe depression. Messaging may explain that the FDA approves antidepressants for children and teens. Several antidepressants carry an FDA warning about a risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in some people under the age of 25. However, some mental health experts believe that this warning is unnecessary, as newer research suggests that the benefits of antidepressants may outweigh potential risks in young people. Messaging may also explain that untreated depression remains a major risk factor for suicide.
Fact-checking sources: Mayo Clinic, Psychology Today
