Doctors under fire as an alarming numbers of children are
given drugs to combat depression and ADHD
By Jenny Hope
Last updated at 6:19 PM on 30th October 2009
The number of prescriptions being given to children with hyperactivity,
depression and other mental health problems has soared over two years, according
to new figures.
Over 420,000 prescriptions were issued to children under 16 with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2007 - up 33 per cent since 2005.
The number went up 51 per cent for youngsters aged 16-18, reaching 40,000 in
2007.
During this period NHS guidance endorsed at least three drugs for ADHD where
other treatments have failed, despite fears about side effects and some critics
complaining it medicalises antisocial behaviour.
More than 113,000 prescriptions of antidepressants were issued to children under
16 in 2007, a six per cent increase over two years.
Almost 108,000 antidepressant prescriptions went to 16-18-year-olds, which was
unchanged over the period.
Over 86,000 prescriptions for anti-psychotics - powerful tranquiliser drugs -
were issued to children under 18 in 2007.
The numbers for 16-18-year-olds went up seven per cent since 2005, while under
16s saw an 11 per cent increase.
Altogether the NHS spent £17 million on ADHD drugs, £1.5 million on
antidepressants and £3.5million on anti-psychotics prescribed to children in
2007.
The figures were obtained by the Tories from Freedom of Information requests.
Shadow Health Minister Anne Milton, said doctors should be opting for non-drug
treatments rather than reaching for the prescription pad.
She said 'We already know that our children suffer the lowest levels of
well-being in Europe.
'This data shows that increasingly health professionals are prescribing drugs to
treat child mental health problems, when evidence suggests that talking
therapies can have an equal, if not better effect.
'These drugs have significant risks when given to children and young people,
making this rise extremely concerning.'
Children with ADHD are prescribed drugs with brand names such as Ritalin,
Concerta and Equasym, stimulants which fire up parts of the brain involved in
concentration, attention and activity which can make them calmer.
Up to 100,000 British children aged five to 19 years with ADHD are believed to
be on drugs - despite doctors' fears about side effects.
These include cardiovascular disorders, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts as
well as drowsiness, dizziness, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea and
early morning awakening.
There have been at least 12 deaths reported to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare
Products Regulatory Agency possibly linked to Ritalin since it became available
in the early 1990s.
US research found Ritalin may cause lasting changes to the brain. Side effects
including weight gain and heart trouble have been reported in autistic or
hyperactive children treated with anti-psychotic drugs and there is little
long-term evidence that the drugs are safe.
NHS advice on prescribing of antidepressants to children warns they all have
'significant risks'.
Andrea Bilbow, chief executive of ADDISS, the national Attention Deficit
Disorder Information and Support Service, said the rise in prescribing of ADHD
drugs was 'not a big increase' over two years.
She said 'There will be a natural rise in prescribing because we know children
benefit from them.
'They help children stay in mainstream schools who would otherwise be excluded .
'However, not enough children are receiving complementary treatment such as
parenting programmes that would help with the social difficulties children with
ADHD experience' she added.
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1223998/Use-drugs-treat-children-ADHD-depression-soars-third.html#ixzz0VgjCgMQk