Monday, November 5, 2012

Australia:Kids committing suicide on adult medications

Nine-year-old's suicide prompts panel to highlight flaws
Ava Benny-Morrison
5th Nov 2012

A NINE-year-old girl's suicide and a doctor who prescribed to a child medication only suitable for adults have prompted the state's child death review panel to highlight the systematic flaws in addressing children with mental health issues.

The Child Death Case Review Committee investigated 73 deaths in Queensland last year, including six suicides.

According to the committee's annual report, tabled in Parliament on Monday, the suicides included a nine-year-old and four 15-year-olds.

In five suicide cases, living in a regional or remote location was deemed a significant factor and four children had suspected or diagnosed mental health conditions.

In one heart-breaking case, a doctor prescribed adult medication to a boy to combat his suicidal tendencies and mental health issues.

The boy had previously been on a daily dose of three different prescribed medications.

The boy's behaviour changed significantly and two weeks later he killed himself.
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