MDs to stop prescribing antidepressants blamed for suicidal feelings in under-18s

GPs to stop prescribing antidepressants blamed for suicidal feelings in under-18s

· Pills to be phased out for up to 40,000 children
· New treatments to include exercise and counselling

Sarah Boseley, health editor
Wednesday September 28, 2005
The Guardian

Doctors were yesterday told to stop giving antidepressants to children and people under 18, because of the risks that the pills will make them feel suicidal.

The new NHS guidance marks a watershed in the treatment of children's mental health. It shifts the focus sharply away from the psychiatric drugs that around 40,000 children are thought to be taking for depression, anxiety and other problems. Children with mild depression should be given advice on diet and exercise, the guidance tells GPs. Those with moderate and even severe depression should be offered a three-month course of counselling.