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 starting on antidepressants as well as when there was a dosage change. 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 of California (Blue Cross) today announced a new program through its health quality assurance and behavioral health services that provides network physicians with the FDA advisory and gives them a list of their Blue Cross children and adolescent patients (18 years old and younger), who they have prescribed an antidepressant for in the last six months. Blue Cross’ Antidepressant Physician Notification Program serves to provide physicians with clear information on how to integrate the FDA advisory into their medical practice.
