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Number of children prescribed antidepressants not known

Dr Allinson says such medication is only given to youngsters as a last resort

The Department of Health and Social Care is unaware of how many children aged between 13 and 17 have been prescribed antidepressants by a GP.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse also queried how many had been given the medication ahead of an assessment by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

However, Minister Lawrie Hooper couldn't provide an answer:

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson, who is also a GP, told the court that antidepressants are only prescribed to young people 'as a last resort'.

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