BLACKBOX WARNING | Hope Kramer

"Blackbox warnings are the FDA's most stringent warning for drugs and medical devices on the market. They alert the public and providers to serious side effects, such as injury or death. One such warning appears on the boxes of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs: “… antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in patients under age 24.” SSRIs are often used as first line treatment for depression. The seemingly paradoxical risks are known and considered acceptable for the sake of treatment.

Studies have shown at the beginning of medical school students have mental health similar to or better than their nonmedical peers. By the end of medical school this will flip — with rates of depression and suicidal ideation well above their nonmedical peers. The risks to trainees are known and considered acceptable for the sake of treating patients."

Hope Kramer is a graduating medical student at the University of Iowa and takes inspiration from her own experiences both in her medical training and in the wider world. She finds art works well as a form of emotional processing helping her to grieve, mourn, express joy or anger.

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