The Food and Drug Administration announced late last week that it agrees with an earlier finding that antidepressants can raise the risk of suicidal behavior in some young people. The agency will begin labeling the drugs with a “black box” warning, the strongest type of warning for prescription drugs. Some advocates, including the American Psychiatric Association, are worried that the new warnings might frighten doctors and parents away from treating depressed children. “We believe that the biggest threat to a depressed child’s well-being is to receive no care at all,” the APA said in a statement. Studies have shown that two to three percent of depressed kids may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts as a result of antidepressant medication.

One Massachusetts mother whose 16 year-old son is on antidepressants also worries that the new warnings may prevent kids who need the drugs from getting them. In this radio diary, she says her experience has taught her that to fear antidepressants is to risk peril. She asked that we not use her name:

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