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Antidepressant Prescriptions Soar Among UK Children

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News

New figures suggest nearly 500,000 antidepressant prescriptions are being given to children in the UK each year, with only one in four having visited a child psychiatrist before they were given the pills.
[Source: unherd.com]

[Image source: Adobe Stock]

Comment

With extended use known to result in physical dependence, antidepressant drugs can be highly dangerous. Associated with a significantly elevated risk of death, research suggests that patients treated with these medications do worse in the long run. Worryingly, therefore, researchers warn that most antidepressants are ineffective for children and teenagers and that at least one such drug is linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Fortunately, there is growing evidence that nutritional approaches are effective and safe in the prevention and control of depression. A meta-analysis published in 2016 looked at 13 studies involving 1,233 participants and found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce symptoms of even major depressive disorder.

Similarly, a scientific review published in 2017 noted that low levels of B vitamins are common in depression and that supplementation with these nutrients has been shown to improve depression outcomes.

To read how research shows magnesium supplements are effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression and that they may provide an alternative to antidepressant drugs, see this article on our website.

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