Efficacy and Safety of Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Age-Specific Findings - PubMed
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- #pediatric depression
- #meta-analysis
- #escitalopram
- Escitalopram shows small, borderline statistically significant efficacy for treating major depressive disorder in adolescents (aged 12-17).
- The meta-analysis found a small improvement in depression scores (CDRS-R) with escitalopram compared to placebo, with a number needed to treat of 11.
- Discontinuation rates and adverse events were not significantly different between escitalopram and placebo, suggesting acceptable short-term tolerability.
- Evidence is insufficient to support the use of escitalopram in children aged 6-11 years.
- All included studies were industry-sponsored, and high placebo response rates were observed, warranting cautious interpretation of results.
- Escitalopram may be considered when fluoxetine is unsuitable, but should be combined with psychosocial interventions and close monitoring.