The recent shooting at a Nebraska shopping mall by a 19-year old teen has many concerned about the use of antidepressants among teenagers. The suspect killed eight people and then himself on December 5, 2007 at the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska. Reports say that the suspect was using antidepressants and had been experiencing mental health problems and ideations of suicide.

This is not the first time a shooting rampage has been linked to antidepressants. One of the Columbine shooters was reportedly taking a prescription antidepressant when he participated in the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO (CNN).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), antidepressants can help improve a person’s mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration. Antidepressants typically take several weeks of use to be helpful. It is required that antidepressants carry strong warnings about their possible link to suicidal behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults ages 18 to 24.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that antidepressants may cause suicidal thinking and behavior. A recent analysis showed that children on antidepressants were more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behavior compared to children taking a placebo (sugar pill).

The signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts or self-harm are sometimes not obvious and may be difficult to detect. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms that a condition may be worsening or that someone may be at risk of self-harm include:

• Thoughts about suicide or dying
• Attempted suicide
• Self-injury
• Feelings of agitation or restlessness
• Panic attacks
• Sleeping problems
• Increasing sadness
• Extreme increase in talking or activity
• Aggression, violence or hostility
• New or worsening anxiety
• Problems at school
• Spending more time alone