There is a growing problem that is becoming increasingly prominent in adolescent society involving the use of antidepressant medications and its increased risk of suicidal tendencies. Studies show that more and more Americans are turning to antidepressants and are unaware of the irreversible dangers associated with taking them. Antidepressants have a variety of side effects, just like other medications. However, there is growing concern about the rising rate of adolescent suicides. In today's society, in particular, there is an alarming increase in the influence that the media has on younger generations living in America. Use of antidepressants in this age group should include close monitoring for suicidal thoughts and tendencies, as well as increased awareness of this issue. Depression is becoming more common among adults due to the stress that comes with daily life. Along with the increasing 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 stresses may contribute to the increasing number of adolescents taking antidepressants. According to Dr. Vincent Iannelli, an estimated 3 percent of children and about 12 percent of adolescents suffer from depression. What most people are misinformed about is their belief that antidepressants will prevent users from suffering from depression or stop it altogether. This is a misconception about antidepressants that can be misleading. The idea of ​​taking a supplement to combat internal emotional conflict should be abandoned as a means of treatment, unless it is ultimately necessary...... middle of paper ...... the body feels as the result of a number of reasons. Providing more information to the public to make them aware of the harmful effects of antidepressants is the only way to combat the current 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. "Suicide risk with antidepressants decreases with age; study reiterates that young people are most vulnerable." Consumer Health News. August 11. 2009