Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Growing drug problem amongst young & depressed (UK)
Brief story at PharmiWeb - "Researchers at the University of London have highlighted a worrying trend in the treatment of depression amongst young people. The research compares prescribing rates between 2000 and 2002 in countries in Europe, South America and North America. In this period alone the UK saw a 68% rise in children and young people being prescribed drugs that either stimulate or calm the brain, the bulk of these coming in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder."  
  

Mental health reform a priority (UK)
BBC story - "Pushing forward reforms to mental health laws will be a priority in the coming year, the Queen promised in her annual speech on Tuesday. The Mental Capacity Bill will provide rules on caring for people who lack capacity through mental illness or disability. A pre-legislative committee reviewing the draft should report in March."  
  

Not enough mental health support (UK)
Evening Chronicle story - "Vulnerable young people do not get enough support from the UK's mental health services, according to a new report. Leading children's charity ChildLine is calling for more Government funding to plug the gaps in the system. In a report released today, the charity makes a series of recommendations aimed at improving the UK's "very stretched and patchy" provision of mental health services for children." See also, at the ChildLine web site, the full report, "Can I Talk To You Again?" (Adobe Acrobat format).