When Andrew Leech trained as a GP 11 years ago, he thought the main issues he'd be seeing in children would be coughs and colds. He wasn't anticipating the wave of children and teens battling mental health problems.
When Andrew Leech trained as a GP 11 years ago, he thought the main issues he'd be seeing in children would be coughs and colds.
Dr Leech is not surprised by these figures. He sees the demand for mental health help every day, and prescribes SSRIs to many young people himself. Patrick struggled to leave the house because he was scared of flying insects. When out and about at shopping centres and swimming pools, he'd look up at the ceiling and wonder if it was going to cave in.Kristen and Warren tried the usual methods of dealing with a young person's anxiety, such as "exposure therapy" — where you gradually expose someone to the things they fear — and psychological support. It didn't work.
As Dr Leech sees it, it's also a reflection of the increased pressure families and children are under. "We have a lot of data from surveys showing that, in fact, we're not meeting the needs of children and young people, that there is a high rate of psychological distress out there," says Elizabeth Moore, the president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
This story is part of an ABC series of stories investigating teen mental health. You can read more about the project here. "And we still get that now," Kristen added. "Like, 'Why are you medicating him? It's cruel. He'll grow out of it.'"There are other strategies patients are urged to try before SSRIs, such as making lifestyle changes and seeing a psychologist. Even a tool called psycho-education, which involves helping a mental health patient understand their condition, can help reduce anxiety levels.
"I think the idea of leaving the prescriptions of antidepressant medication to the pointy end of the spectrum — so people who are very seriously unwell — is important, and that we don't see it creep out into the more mild to moderate end of the spectrum."Research shows SSRIs are most effective when combined with psychological therapy, and not taken on their own.
Antidepressants Medication GP Youth Mental Health Prescriptions Child With ADHD Child With Anxiety Help Treatment
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Parents call for CCTV cameras in park after child approachedThe parents of a child approached by strangers at New Farm Park want the CCTV network extended to monitor the area.
Read more »
Hunter Valley bus crash driver Brett Andrew Button sentenced to 32 years in jailBrett Andrew Button was behind the wheel of a bus returning from a wedding when it flipped on a roundabout, killing 10 passengers and injuring 25 others.
Read more »
Gold Coast rising superstar Mac Andrew signs eye-watering contract extension7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Hunter Valley bus crash driver Brett Andrew Button's sentencing hearing begins in NewcastleJudge Roy Ellis tells a Newcastle court the coming days of victim impact statements will be emotional as 'never before have so many people been killed and injured in a single motor vehicle incident'.
Read more »
Greatland Gold raising $500m to buy Newmont’s Telfer, backer Andrew Forrest tips in $100mPotential backers have been told mining billionaire Andrew Forrest, already a backer of Greatland Gold, will pour in $100 million.
Read more »
Judge rejects TV star Andrew O'Keefe's claim victim lied about assaultA court has upheld Andrew O&x27;Keefe&x27;s domestic violence convictions, but overturned others.
Read more »