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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
Before 1990, youth suicide rates in the U.S. had increased over the course of several decades. The rates were said to have tripled between 1953 and 1957 and between 1983 and 1987, rising from 2.46 to 9.64 per 100,000 persons 15 to 24 years of age; however, the increase might not have been as great as was initially believed, owing to a possible undercounting of youth suicides.7 Starting in 1990, however, the suicide rate in the U.S. among youths and young adults between 10 and 24 years of age began declining steadily, falling from 9.48 to 6.78 per 100,000 persons between 1990 and 2003.8 Yet between 2003 and 2004, the suicide rate increased by 8%, to 7.32 per 100,000—the largest single-year increase since 1990.

Although SSRIs were designed to increase serotonin levels, its now thought that the mechanism by which they are able to improve depression symptoms is more complex .Eleven percent of Americans aged 12 years and over take an antidepressant medication, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The use of antidepressants increased nearly 400 percent between 1988 and 2008. SSRIs are the most common class of antidepressants in the U.S. and are believed to be safer and generally cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants.

==== Who Should Take SRIs? ==== SSRIs are usually the first choice for doctors treating depression or anxiety with prescription medications, but they’re not for everyone. It is normal to feel sad or “down” in the wake of stressful life events such as the death of a loved one, a job loss or a divorce. These feelings should ease or subside on their own. Patients may be candidates for antidepressants if they aren’t functioning well,

Why Do Doctors Prescribe SSRIs?
There are several reasons why doctors prescribe SSRIs. Some are for uses not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, known as off-label uses.

=== ·        Pregnancy & Antidepressants === People with depression may also be more likely to use substances to cope with their symptoms. The risks associated with drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs during pregnancy are well-established. Substance use during pregnancy can have serious long-term consequences for parents and children.

Pregnancy may affect how well an antidepressant works or the side effects it causes. Even if someone dose not wish to stop taking an antidepressants while they are pregnant, they may need to adjust then dose. The ramifications may affect both the pregnant parents and the developing fetus. The changes can impact everything from how the medications are absorbed, to how they are eliminated. This risk may even extend after the birth of a child and contribute to symptoms of postpartum depression. Previous research published in 2007 had indicated that the rate of depression among pregnant women was between 12% and 15%. The rate of depression in U.S. women overall is around 10%, according to the CDC

The Risk of Untreated Depression
While you will want to consider the risks associated with taking an antidepressant if you are pregnant, it's important to remember that untreated depression also carries risks.

Discontinuing an antidepressant puts you at risk for a relapse of your depression symptoms.18﻿ The risk may be greater when you are pregnant and right after you give birth.