Despite their unfavorable side-effect and risk profile, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may need to be
considered for use in certain circumstances. Which of the following
statements regarding pediatric indications for TCA treatment is true?
A. TCAs have consistently been shown to be superior to
placebo in pediatric depression.
B. TCAs are first-line agents in pediatric depression,
especially when a family history of bipolar disorder is present.
C. Although TCAs are an alternative treatment for pediatric
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they are
contraindicated in cases with comorbid tic disorder.
D. Only strongly serotonergic TCAs such as clomipramine
should be used for enuresis.
E. Clomipramine is indicated in treatment of pediatric
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children older than 10 years
of age but is best considered as a second- or third-line agent.
