The Influence of Culture, Government and the Law on the Use of Antidepressants for Children in the United States and Pakistan

Abstract

Depression in children is a controversial topic in the United States. It is an even more contentious subject when one looks at mental healthcare for children in developing nations, such as Pakistan.

This article explores the cultural impact on utilization of antidepressants prescribed to children in the United States and Pakistan. The diagnosis and treatment of childhood depression has become more complicated as additional antidepressants become available on the market and their efficacy, as well as their potential for serious side effects, is fiercely debated.

Yet, the commonality between the United States and Pakistan is that, despite which country a child is from, perhaps the largest victim is the smallest. This article also includes a description of the legal landscape that plaintiffs have at their disposal in the event of negative outcomes.

Keywords: depression, children, antidepressants, united states, pakistan

JEL Classification: K32