News Release, 29 January 2007
Moira Fraser, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation said:
"The GlaxoSmithKline Seroxat case highlights the need for transparency regarding anti-depressant research. Still, not enough is known about the potential dangers associated with anti-depressant medication. Continued research is needed but more importantly its outcomes must be candidly communicated.
"Key issues around the prescribing of medication for children and young people need to be addressed. While European guidelines state that talking therapy should be the first line of treatment, in reality children and young people can wait up to a year before treatment due to long waiting lists. Considerable investment is needed to provide effective counselling and psychotherapy services for children and young people. Among teenagers, rates of depression and anxiety have increased by 70% in the past 25 years. Without adequate provision of this kind of service, these rates will continue to rise.
"For some young people, it may be necessary to prescribe anti-depressant medication when other treatments do not work. In this instance, only medication authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency should be prescribed, and responsibility should sit with experienced health care professionals who can closely monitor the young person and their response to the treatment."
Notes to editors
For further information please contact Fran Gorman on 020 7803 1128 or email Fran Gorman.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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