On March 22, 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory regarding the possible worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts in adults and children taking antidepressant medications. Based in part upon studies of antidepressants in children and adolescents, the advisory recommended the close monitoring of all patients either starting on or undergoing a dosage change for antidepressants. This advisory has created an increased level of concern in patients taking these medications, especially the parents of children and adolescents. In response, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) today announced a new program that provides network physicians with the FDA advisory and gives them a list of their children and adolescent patients (18 years old and younger) covered through a health benefit plan offered by BCBSGa for whom they have prescribed an antidepressant in the last six months. BCBSGa's Antidepressant Physician Notification Program is designed to provide physicians with clear information on how to integrate the FDA advisory into their medical practice.
