News Release, 7 June 2006
The Mental Health Foundation today welcomed the announcement of tough new restrictions on prescribing Prozac for children from the age of eight. Following a statement by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) that Prozac should only be prescribed if there has been no prior success with talking therapies, the charity said that while it supported the new restriction, key issues around prescribing for children and young people still need to be addressed.
Dr. Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“This is a positive step towards the provision of mental health care that is appropriate to the particular needs and issues of children and young people. However, while we wholly endorse talking therapy as a first line of treatment, the issue of long waiting lists for talking therapies must also be addressed. Young people can wait for up to a year before commencing treatment during which time feelings of anxiety or depression may worsen. Substantial investment in the provision of effective counselling and psychotherapy services designed to meet the specific needs of children and young people is crucial. Without adequate provision of this kind of service, there is likely to be little progress and rates of depression and anxiety amongst young people will continue to rise.”
“For some young people, in order to alleviate distress while waiting for therapy, it may still be necessary to prescribe anti-depressants in the absence of any other available intervention. In this instance and in any decision taken on prescribing for children, responsibility should sit with senior and experienced health care professionals with a knowledge of children's mental health issues.”
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Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1128 / 1130 or email the press office
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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