RCGP appears in BBC exclusive on antidepressants for children

RCGP Chair Professor Victoria Tzortiou-Brown appears on the BBC today, speaking about the support that GPs provide to younger patients with mental health issues and calling for better access to specialist services 

You can read our full statement here.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“Antidepressants for children and young people are usually initiated in specialist care and in line with NICE guidance. For moderate to severe depression, medication can be an effective part of treatment when used appropriately and alongside psychological support. GPs will refer under-18s to appropriate children and adolescent mental health services so they can receive expert assessment and a wider package of support.

“General practice is often the first place a young person turns when they are struggling with their mental health, and we know that there can be long waits for some specialist care and patchy support across the country. Where specialist input is delayed, GPs continue to support young people while they are awaiting assessment and treatment.

In some circumstances, particularly while awaiting specialist input, a GP may decide, based on their clinical judgement and in careful discussion with the patient and their family, that prescribing medication is in the young person’s best interests. These decisions are not taken lightly and will involve weighing up potential benefits and risks, appropriate monitoring, and regular reviews.

“The approach needs to be integrated across education, social care and health care and often these services are not readily available to children and young people, and the work then falls to General Practice' 

“Ultimately, all young people, regardless of where they live, should have timely access to high quality mental health services. Investment in specialist children and young people’s mental health provision is essential”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 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.