A one-year-old boy was prescribed antidepressants by the NHS in Scotland, as prescriptions for the drugs soared across the UK. NHS Tayside in Dundee prescribed the medication to 450 children between January and May in 2016, with the youngest being seven years old. In 2014, the trust prescribed antidepressants to a one-year-old boy, according to figures by Dundee Evening Telegraph.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside told the Evening Telegraph the drugs could be used to treat a number of different conditions beyond their most common use as a treatment for clinical depression. She said: “Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat clinical depression, or prevent it from recurring. “However, they can also be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety disorders.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside told the Evening Telegraph the drugs could be used to treat a number of different conditions beyond their most common use as a treatment for clinical depression. She said: “Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat clinical depression, or prevent it from recurring. “However, they can also be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety disorders.
In January this year, the largest ever review of clinical study reports compiled by drug companies found teenagers were twice as likely to commit suicide if they were taking antidepressants. The review also said the risks for adults may have been seriously underestimated. Though NHS guidelines state that under 18s should not be prescribed antidepressants, over 100,000 prescriptions a year are given to teenagers, according to the Daily Telegraph. In very young children, antidepressants can be prescribed for problems including bed-wetting and chronic pain.
While antidepressants have been shown to be effective in treating major depression and anxiety in children and teens, they need to be used cautiously and monitored closely to make sure there are no serious side effects. Keep in mind that antidepressant use is often temporary and may just be needed for a short time. If your child has mild depression, psychotherapy may be all she needs to help her symptoms improve. However, if the depression is severe or not responding to psychotherapy, an antidepressant may be needed to help your child live the best, and most fulfilling life that he can. If you have concerns and questions, be sure to discuss them with a mental health professional.
While antidepressants have been shown to be effective in treating major depression and anxiety in children and teens, they need to be used cautiously and monitored closely to make sure there are no serious side effects. Keep in mind that antidepressant use is often temporary and may just be needed for a short time. If your child has mild depression, psychotherapy may be all she needs to help her symptoms improve. However, if the depression is severe or not responding to psychotherapy, an antidepressant may be needed to help your child live the best, and most fulfilling life that he can. If you have concerns and questions, be sure to discuss them with a mental health professional.
Independent News Online - One-year-old prescribed antidepressants by NHS in Scotland
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