Shock rise in happy pills handed out to children

THE number of children being prescribed antidepressant drugs has shot up 28 per cent in a decade, a study has found.

Experts fear in some cases children are being treated with powerful pills as a ‘first line’ of treatment instead of being given counselling.

The findings also add to fears that children are increasingly suffering from depression and distress, after a report from Childline revealed that the number of children calling its helpline who were considering suicide has doubled in the past five years.

The study, by Swansea University, looked at 360,000 Welsh children aged six to 18 between 2003 and 2013 and found that prescriptions for antidepressants rose 28 per cent.

Among its ‘concerning’ findings are that doctors are frequently prescribing drugs not authorised by health watchdog NICE to treat young people.

Professor Ann John of Swansea University said the rise could mean society is ‘over-medicalising’ young people.

She added: ‘Ten years ago people didn’t even seek help but now there is increased awareness and my results show kids and families are seeking help more, and GPs are prescribing more and treating more.’