Depression does occur in children and adolescents and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, identification and treatment of depression are essential. Referral to a mental health clinician, preferably a child and adolescent psychiatrist, is important for suicide evaluation, psychotherapy, and management of complicated medication treatment regimens. The SSRIs are most often used in youngsters because of their favorable side effect profiles and their efficacy as documented in some double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.