Despite the increasing recognition of juvenile mood disorders, few medications have been shown to be effective. Nefazodone is a novel antidepressant that remains untested in children. Seven cases are described, including four with bipolar depression, in which nefazodone was used for depression.

The authors systematically studied the response to nefazodone used naturalistically in seven treatment-refractory and very comorbid children and adolescents (mean age ± SD, 12.4 ± 3.1) with a juvenile mood disorder that was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by structured psychiatric interview. Response to treatment was evaluated retrospectively by an independent rater using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) of severity and improvement of depression.

Children and adolescents received nefazodone for 13 (±8) weeks at a mean daily dose of 357 ± 151 mg (3.4 mg/kg). Fifty-six percent of children and adolescents previously unresponsive to multiple medication trials manifested much to very much improvement as measured by the CGI. Two of four children with bipolar depression responded well to treatment, whereas the other two had mild manic activation. Overall, nefazodone was well tolerated, with adverse effects reported in only three subjects.

Nefazodone appears to be a well-tolerated compound that may provide a treatment option for juveniles with mood disorders. Further controlled trials are warranted.