Antidepressant Treatment in Childhood

Sonia R. Bhalotra (), N. Meltem Daysal and Mircea Trandafir
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Sonia R. Bhalotra: University of Warwick

No 18069, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Mental illnesses emerge in childhood, making early intervention important. However, antidepressant treatment rates remain low following a controversial FDA warning. We provide some of the first evidence of impacts of antidepressant treatment in childhood on objectively measured mental health indicators and economic outcomes over time, and the first attempt to investigate under- vs overtreatment. Treatment improves Math scores in high school, post-compulsory education and adult employment and earnings, reducing welfare dependence. It reduces suicidality and hospital visits. Low-SES children benefit more. Policy simulations in a marginal treatment effects framework suggest under-treatment, highlighting that expanding treatment can reduce inequality.

Keywords: physician leniency; Denmark; human capital; test scores; education; mental health; antidepressants; marginal treatment effects (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I11 I12 I18 J13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hea and nep-lab
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Related works:
Working Paper: Antidepressant Treatment in Childhood (2025)
Working Paper: Antidepressant Treatment in Childhood (2025)
Working Paper: Antidepressant Treatment in Childhood (2025)
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