The FDA warns that patients on antidepressant drugs should be monitored for signs of suicide.

Some popular antidepressant drugs will soon be required to carry labels warning of possible suicide tendencies, according to the Associated Press. Although the Federal Drug Administration's investigation initially focused on children taking the drugs, the warning is aimed at both adults and children. Dr. Robert Pary, professor of psychology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains what the new ruling means.

SOUND BITE: ". . . monitoring will be through greater vigilance on the practitioner's part as well as families in that the warning label will sensitize patients and families to be looking for increases such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability . . ."

Dr. Pary says suicide in teens is an important public health issue. It is the second cause of death in persons age 15 to 24. He believes more research is needed to determine if any of the drugs do increase the likelihood of suicide in some patients, but thinks the ruling will help by encouraging better monitoring of patients.

SOUND BITE: " . . . there may be greater dialogue between families and practitioners regarding medications, the effects and the potential side effects of these medicines. And I think greater communication between families and their doctors is always important."

Dr. Pary advises families to pay close attention to someone taking antidepressant drugs and report any possible suicidal warning signs to their physician.