Image source, bbc

• Antidepressants cost the NHS £780,000 per day
• Between 2005 and 2012, there was a 54% increase in the number of children prescribed antidepressants in the UK
• Common side-effects include dizziness, headaches and feeling sick. These generally improve with time
• Antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome, which - while uncommon - can lead to seizures, an irregular heartbeat and unconsciousness in the most severe cases
• In rare instances, some people experience suicidal thoughts and a desire to self-harm when they first take antidepressants. People under the age of 25 seem particularly at risk

Sources: Health and Social Care Information Centre, World Health Organization, NHS Choices

SNP MSP Rona Mackay seeks information on the new models of care mentioned in the mental health strategy.

The minister says it is about having a range of therapies available to them, including cognitive behavioural therapy and access to physical activity.

Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne asks how the strategy links in with the national performance framework.

Ms Watt points to evidence indicating that to treat depression, it is better to have higher doses of drugs over a longer period of time.

Dr Mitchell says it is important people get the treatment required for their condition, which is often a mixture of both medication and psychological therapies.

• This petition, external has been submitted by Marion Brown on behalf of Recovery and Renewal independent self-help patient group in Scotland, to raise awareness of the plight of individuals in Scotland who are affected by dependence on and withdrawal from prescribed benzodiazepines and antidepressants/
• The petition also specifically asks the Scottish government to support the BMA’s UK-wide call for action to provide timely and appropriate support for individuals affected.

All the submissions and more information can be read here., external

Image source, bbc

Convener Johann Lamont says she is concerned about the minister's response.

She suggests people are being prescribed drugs without enough information and without further support.

The convener queries information given to patients on withdrawing from drugs.

Dr John Mitchell, principal medical officer and psychiatric adviser at the Scottish government, says some drugs mentioned in the petition cause dependence because bodies get used to taking them.

He argues anti-depressants are slightly difference because the dose does not need to be repeatedly increased as patients get used to them.

Image source, LUCAAR

Ms Lamont says the theme of the submissions were people concerned about being prescribed drugs without the support to come off them in the future and without the implications of the side effects being explained.

The mental health minister says in 2014 the government published information on anti-depressant prescribing, external which showed an improving picture.

She says the increase use in anti-depressants is due to better diagnosis and treatment.

The Scottish parliament briefing, external put together on the petition highlights Scottish government action on the matter:

"The Scottish Government’s Drug Strategy, The Road to Recovery, was published in 2008. This strategy focuses on problem drug use and does not make specific reference to prescribed drug dependence.

"The Scottish Government commented that good practice prescribing guidance for psychotropic medication and other drugs exists in SIGN guidelines, the British National Formulary and local health board formularies.

"All GPs prescribing is monitored and discussed individually through annual appraisals. An audit of prescribing in mental health commonly occurs involving health board pharmacy departments.

"There is national annual reporting of prescribing patterns and trends which are considered by the Scottish Government and other agencies."

Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt again delivers an opening statement, stating people with mental ill-health deserve the same standard of care as those with physical illnesses.

As the stigma declines, more people are coming forward with mental health problems which has led to a rise a anti-depressants being prescribed, she says.

The minister points to the SIGN guidelines on non-pharmaceutical therapies for managing depression.

A range of information and support must be accessible to patients, Ms Watt says.

Fiona French from Aberdeen says the prescription drug she was put on 40 years ago led to decades of suffering that only ended after a three-year withdrawal which she describes as "hell and torture".

The 63-year-old says the benzodiazepine drug she was prescribed for epilepsy in 1975 led to a decade of adverse effects including attempts to take her own life.

This was followed by years of health problems and mental anguish during which no doctor ever warned her that "benzos" are a highly addictive drug that have serious side effects.

Read more.

The petition being considered calls on the the Scottish Government to take action to appropriately recognise and effectively support individuals affected and harmed by prescribed drug dependence and withdrawal.

Image source, BBC Sciebce

The panel includes:

• Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt
• Jenny Simons, Mental Health and Protection of Rights Division at the Scottish government
• Dr John Mitchell, Principal Medical Officer and Psychiatric Adviser at the Scottish government

View the petition and the submissions here., external

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Angus Macdonald says the committee must consider the petition further.

Mr Macdonald calls for statistics around the prescription of anti-depressants.

The commmitee agreeing to continue consider Annette Mckenzie's petition, calling for consent for mental health treatment for people under 18 years of age

Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne says consideration must be given to GP guidance on mental health, suggesting a ten minute appointment is not enough time to properly ascertain a person's situation.

SNP MSP Rona Mackay says the committee should explore at what point a medical professional would alert a parent or guardian if there were serious concerns.

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Committee convener Johann Lamont thanks the petitioner Annette Mckenzie again.

Ms Lamont says if Ms Mckenzie can make another response to the committee that would be welcome but she recognises the pain being suffered by the petitioner.

Ms Mckenzie has tweeted she would prefer to give oral evidence, rather than a written statement.

Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne asks if there should be a specialist consultation before children are put on anti-depressants

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Many more school staff need to be trained to help pupils with their mental health problems, according to a leading charity.

A survey by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) suggested two-thirds of teachers felt ill-equipped.

SAMH chief executive Billy Watson called on the Scottish government to create a programme this year to train all school staff in mental health.

Ministers are carrying out an audit of school-based counselling.

Image source, bbc

• School counselling support 'patchy'
• Scottish schools 'lacking' mental health provision
• Read more here

Image source, bbc

Dr John Mitchell says doctors are subject to peer review and an annual appraisal.

He says GPs recieve individual information about their prescribing.

Any complaints would be discussed at the appraisal, he says.

All of this leads to a GMC revalidation process.

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Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne says mental health is not diagnosable by a test or in ten minute GP appointments.

Ms Ballantyne asks if the mental health strategy is working will anti-depressant prescribing plumet.

The succes of our strategy is about people being able to access treatment when they need it, says Dr John Mitchell.

Dr Mitchell says he would not expect to see a drop in prescribing medications in mental health.

Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne says she sees "some discrepancies" between what she has seen on the frontline and commentary given on mental health.

She points to evidence suggesting only around half of GPs are aware of the SIGN guidelines on mental health.

Maureen Watt says GPs and health practitioners are well versed in dealing with mental health problems as one in three patients who attend a GP appointment present with a mental health issue.

SAMH hosted an event on its Going To Be campaign at parliament earlier this week.

From its website..., external

"Growing up we all thought about what were going to be as adults. It was a magical time when almost anything was possible. An inventor, a drummer, a motorbike racer – the possibilities were endless.

"We can’t always prevent mental health problems, but we can give young people every chance to get the help they need to realise their dreams."

Image source, SAMH