SSRIs in Children and Adolescents 6 Oct 2017

Our paediatric and CAMHS colleagues have noticed recently that a number of young children under the age of 12 have been started on anti-depressants including paroxetine. 

Our paediatric and CAMHS colleagues have noticed recently that a number of young children under the age of 12 have been started on anti-depressants including paroxetine. Their guidance is that such medications are seldom indicated for this group.

Indeed, for under 18 year olds the issues with antidepressants are very complex in terms of diagnosis, evidence base, informed consent and potential adverse effects. CAMHS psychiatrists advise that if GP colleagues feel that a mental health condition is severe enough to warrant consideration of medication, referral is made to CAMHS.

They are happy to discuss any cases with the GP and would encourage referral. There is a good summary of the current recommendation from BPAC here.