In the under-18 population, which drug has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression in clinical trials?

In the under-18 population, which drug has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression in clinical trials?

• A. Methotrexate
• B. Finasteride
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Sulfasalazine

Answer: (C)

In pediatric depression, the medication with proven benefit in clinical trials is Fluoxetine. It, as an SSRI, has multiple randomized controlled trials in children and adolescents showing a reliable reduction in depressive symptoms compared with placebo, and it is approved for major depressive disorder in those under 18. This robust evidence base is what makes it the best choice for efficacy in the under-18 population. The other drugs listed are not antidepressants with demonstrated efficacy for depression in youth. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying or chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer and some autoimmune conditions. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used for conditions like male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory used for inflammatory bowel disease and some rheumatologic conditions. None have demonstrated proven efficacy for treating depression in children or adolescents.

In pediatric depression, the medication with proven benefit in clinical trials is Fluoxetine. It, as an SSRI, has multiple randomized controlled trials in children and adolescents showing a reliable reduction in depressive symptoms compared with placebo, and it is approved for major depressive disorder in those under 18. This robust evidence base is what makes it the best choice for efficacy in the under-18 population.

The other drugs listed are not antidepressants with demonstrated efficacy for depression in youth. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying or chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer and some autoimmune conditions. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used for conditions like male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory used for inflammatory bowel disease and some rheumatologic conditions. None have demonstrated proven efficacy for treating depression in children or adolescents.