From Ann Wills, London, UK
I share Jim Alexander's concern about recent proclamations that antidepressants really do work and should be used more often (Letters, 7 April). Guidelines from NICE, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, suggest the use of antidepressants should be a last resort for those aged under 18. Yet the number of children being prescribed antidepressants is said to be rising. Counselling should be offered as the first option.
In 2003, UK doctors were told to stop prescribing Seroxat to under-18s because of a link with suicidal thoughts – yet this antidepressant is still given to adults.
