To prescribe or not to prescribe. That is the dilemma that child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) teams have been grappling with for the last few months - and they are still waiting for an adequate answer.
Their dilemma revolves around whether or not to prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to children with depression.
Last December, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) said these drugs "should generally not be used in this age group" because trials had shown an increased risk of suicidal behaviour. Last month, the agency completed a review of the drugs and reinforced its guidance. However, although it continues to be deeply sceptical about prescribing them to children, it also acknowledges that it is a clinical decision whether or not to do so. A statement read: "It is recognised that a doctor may sometimes take a decision based on the individual clinical needs of a child or an adolescent to use these products for the treatment of depression anxiety."
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