Jerome Burne, a freelance health journalist who writes regularly for the Daily Mail, has called for an independent review of the use of Prozac to treat depressed children. In an article for the online blog HealthInsightUK Burne cites a study which shows that the proportion of suicidal events among children taking Prozac was more than three times greater than among those taking a placebo.
Burne goes on to describe the omission of other key data which he believes could have stopped Prozac from being licenced for children. “Prozac’s supposed greater benefit and safety for children is the result of just as vigorous data rigging as all the rest,” he concludes.
The full article can be viewed here: http://healthinsightuk.org/2016/03/22/prozac-is-the-safest-drug-for-depressed-children-why-this-is-a-myth/
My 13 year old developed acute Tourette’s after starting on Prozac for depression which I feel is because of her underlying sensory processing disorder (I’m a GP). It was yellow carded but I’ve never heard anything since although there are reports on the Internet of other families with similar experiences. Sensory processing disorder and SSRIs… I’d like to see this explored too!
An independent review would be wonderful. In my book Neuroscience for Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals: Promoting Well-Being and Treating Mental Illness, I provide the evidence for why depression is an inflammatory condition. Inflammation can be ameliorated with diet, exercise, yoga, and meditation. Some of these interventions have been evaluated in children. See my blog-littrellsneuroscienceofwellbeing.org
Hi Jill. The link to your blog doesn’t seem to be working… Very interested to hear about yoga and depression in kids. Best wishes
Melissa
Fair play to you Jerome, please god this review will be held & children like our beautiful Jake could be saved. There is no doubt in our minds that Jake is dead because of Prozaz & an over zealous psychiatrist..We would lice to have this drug banned for children whether licensed or prescribed off label…
Stephanie Mcgill Lynch