Final answer:
Fluoxetine (Prozac), a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), is the only antidepressant shown to be effective for children and adolescents with depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The only antidepressant with established efficacy in childhood and adolescent depression is Fluoxetine (Prozac). Fluoxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and is the most well-known medication in its class. SSRIs, including fluoxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), and others, work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which can help to alleviate symptoms of depression. Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant medication that has been approved for use in children and adolescents with depression. It is important to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare provider, especially for those under the age of 25, due to the FDA's black-box warning concerning the increased risk of thought and behavior in this age group when taking antidepressant medications.