Half to two-thirds of New Zealanders prescribed anti-depressants don't need them, and by taking them are increasing their risk of suicide, an Auckland mental health expert says.
AUT University Professor of Psychology and Public Health Max Abbott has spoken out against the widespread over-prescription of anti-depressant drugs in New Zealand, particularly to children.
"With regard to children there's little to any justification for using anti-depressants, and with older children and adolescents, extreme care is advised," Professor Abbott told TVNZ1's Breakfast today.
"There's risks of both cardiovascular complications and also suicide, so extreme care should be exercised.
"In my view only specialists should be prescribing."
According to Ministry of Health figures, the number of children and teens on anti-depressants has soared by 98 per cent in the last 10 years.
Professor Abbott says part of the cause of over-prescription of anti-depressants, is the massive shortfall in mental health primary care in New Zealand.
"The main concern is there's a lack of alternatives to pharmacological intervention for depression," Professor Abbott says, citing there are over 1 million scripts written annually for anti-depressants in New Zealand.
"Many of the people who are prescribed benefit relatively little, if at all from them, other than perhaps the placebo - the interaction with the doctor.
"Others would do as well, if not considerably better long term, if they had access to psychological and behavioural therapies."
However, Professor Abbott said such psychological therapies were "rationed" in New Zealand, and if you can't pay for the services you could have difficulty obtaining access to them.
Where to get help
Need to talk? 1737 – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 or www.depression.org.nz
The Lowdown: A website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety. www.thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
SPARX.org.nz – Online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 for support related to sexual orientation or gender identity
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