6% increase in anti-depressant medication for Northern Ireland children

6% increase in anti-depressant medication for Northern Ireland children BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Nearly 12,000 prescriptions for anti-depressants were issued to children and adolescents in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/health/6-increase-in-antidepressant-medication-for-northern-ireland-children-37151847.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/article37152274.ece/982d1/AUTOCROP/h342/2017-12-11_new_36932193_I1.JPG Email Nearly 12,000 prescriptions for anti-depressants were issued to children and adolescents in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months. Figures show a rise of 6% in prescriptions handed out to young people here over the past three years. The statistics relate to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat depression and anxiety conditions. In the 12 months to April, 11,773 prescriptions were issued to young people locally, a jump of around 6% compared to 2015/16. In total, there were 950,000 prescriptions written between April 2015 and March 2018 across the UK. Other parts of the UK saw a bigger increase in demand in that time – 15% and 10% in England and Scotland respectively. Figures are not available for Wales. The statistics, obtained by the BBC after a Freedom of Information request, have caused alarm. Anne Doherty, the deputy chief executive officer of Northern Ireland mental health charity MindWise, called the figures “concerning”. She said: “It may be that mental ill health is being more readily identified in children and young people, “However, anti-depressant use in under-18s can cause an increase in self-harm or suicidal thinking. It is vital that a holistic approach to mental health is taken for children and young people.” Ms Doherty said Northern Ireland has a… [Read full story]