Professor Sue Bailey, chair of the Child and Adolescent Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "We are calling for proper systematic research for prescribing for any child under the age of 18. At the moment we think children aren't regarded in the same way as adults."
Drug companies don't currently publish trial data, but Bailey wants this information to be freely available. She said: "We should have a proper evidence base on which we, as child specialists, deliver treatment. I hope the children's minister and the standards minister will be looking at this."
Bailey's comments came as a study in the British Medical Journal reported that antidepressants were not safe for children.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
