BOSTON -- Antidepressant medications are used regularly on children, but most newer medications have not been approved for use on those under 18.

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Rhonda Mann Reports On Antidepressants Resources Read FDA's Paxil Warning Read Zoloft Study

NewsCenter 5's Rhonda Mann reported that Prozac is the only newer antidepressant that is approved for use in children after studies showed it is safe and it works. Yet for years doctors have prescribed the array of antidepressant medications, or SSRIs, for children, and said the results can be amazing. About 10 percent of children are depressed.

"One of my patients who is described as being chronically depressed described it as, 'I can suddenly see the sun,'" said Dr. Stuart Goldman of Boston's Children's Hospital.

A new study involving nearly 400 children shows the SSRI, Zoloft, also is beneficial.

Sixty-nine percent of children and teenagers on Zoloft improved in just 10 weeks, compared to 59 percent who were given a placebo. While it may appear the difference is small, experts said with such a serious disorder, it's a crucial difference.

"Children should be given the opportunity to have medication, just as we would an adult," said Dr. Karen Dineen Wagner of the University of Texas.

Not every medication approved for adults works well in children. Doctors were stunned when studies showed that Paxil, a similar drug, actually caused children with depression to get worse. In fact, the studies found Paxil tripled the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts in children.

"It's a concern and so I think the practice of putting Paxil on the side for the moment is a reasonable one as there are other agents that are effective," said Goldman.

Doctors said children who have been taking Paxil and are doing well, should not stop using he drug, instead they should be closely monitored.

"It's extremely important for children to get treated for this disorder so that there aren't the long-lasting consequences that come from untreated depression," said Wagner.

Statistics show that once a child is depressed, 70 percent of the time that depression will reoccur. Most doctors insist children that are taking antidepressants also be involved in therapy, another way to monitor progress or potential problems.