Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/328199 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 18069
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Mental illnesses emerge in childhood, making early intervention important. However, antidepressant treatment rates remain low following a controversial FDA warning. We provide some of the first evidence of impacts of antidepressant treatment in childhood on objectively measured mental health indicators and economic outcomes over time, and the first attempt to investigate under- vs overtreatment. Treatment improves Math scores in high school, post-compulsory education and adult employment and earnings, reducing welfare dependence. It reduces suicidality and hospital visits. Low-SES children benefit more. Policy simulations in a marginal treatment effects framework suggest under-treatment, highlighting that expanding treatment can reduce inequality.
Subjects: 
antidepressants
mental health
education
test scores
human capital
Denmark
physician leniency
marginal treatment effects
JEL: 
I11
I12
I18
J13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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