There is a growing problem that is becoming increasingly evident in adolescent society involving the use of antidepressant drugs and its increased risk of suicidal tendencies. Studies show that more and more Americans are turning to antidepressants and are not informed of the irreversible dangers associated with taking them. Antidepressants have a variety of different side effects, just like other medications, however there is growing concern about the increasing suicide rate among teenagers. Especially in today's society, there is an alarming increase in the influence that the media has on the younger generations living in America. The use of antidepressants in this age group should include high monitoring of suicidal thoughts and tendencies and should include a greater effort to raise awareness of this issue. Depression is becoming more common among adults due to the stress that accompanies daily life. In addition to the growing number of adults suffering from depression, the continued increase in depression among young people is also becoming a growing concern. Depression induced by peer pressure, bullying, or other stress may contribute to the growing number of teens taking antidepressants. According to Dr. Vincent Iannelli, an estimated 3% of children and approximately 12% of adolescents suffer from depression. What most people are misinformed about is that they believe that antidepressants will prevent the user from suffering from depression or will stop it completely. This is a misconception about antidepressants that can be misleading. The idea of ​​taking a supplement to combat an internal emotional conflict should be eliminated as a means of treatment unless it is actually necessary... middle of paper... the body feels like the result of a number of reasons. Spreading more information to the public to raise awareness of the harmful effects of antidepressants is the only way to combat the ongoing problem. Works Cited1. Vincent Iannelli, MD Children and Antidepressants - http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/mentalhealth/a/psymeds_suicide.htm2. Cindy Uken. More people than ever are using antidepressants: http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_6726f2db-9561-5dd6-9360-56836d9b34ec.html3. C Scott Moreland and Liza Bonin, PhD, Effect of Antidepressants on Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents -http://www.uptodate.com/contents/effect-of-antidepressants-on-suicide-risk-in-children- and- adolescents4. Edelson, ed. "The risk of suicide with antidepressants decreases with age; the study reiterates that young people are the most vulnerable." Consumer Health News. August 11th. 2009