RCGP response to research on anti-depressants prescribing for young people

Responding to research published in European Neuropsychopharmacology on anti-depressants prescriptions in children and young people, Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

 "The vast majority of anti-depressants for children and young people will be prescribed in secondary care, but GPs certainly have a key role in identifying and delivering care to our young patients with mental health problems.
 
"Anti-depressants would rarely be the first treatment option for children and young people. But with such long waits for patients to see a specialist or to get a psychological therapy referral, drug therapy is sometimes seen as the only option for GPs to best support patients, who may be in extreme distress, and their family. 

"When these cases arise, a prescription would only be given following a full and frank discussion with the patient and their family outlining the potential risks and side effects associated with the medication.
 
“We might also issue a prescription following a consultation with a specialist who has initiated treatment, as a means of continuing a course of treatment in accordance with the specialist’s advice.
 
"GPs are highly trained to deal with patients of all ages with mental health conditions, and prescribe accordingly and appropriately. This is part of the RCGP curriculum and all trainee GPs must demonstrate competency in this in order to practise independently as a GP in the UK.
 
"We have been recommending for some time that in future, as part of an enhanced four-year training programme, all GP trainees should receive specialist-led training in mental health and child health.
 
"These measures truly would help to ensure that our young patients with mental health conditions receive the most appropriate treatment, and the same level of care as those with physical health problems, wherever in the country they live."

Further Information

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7633
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
[email protected]

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.

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RCGP response to research on anti-depressants prescribing for young people