"Young, British and Depressed: we need way more TV like this"

Pressurised GPs often prescribe antidepressants to young people in the interim. Many may find the medication helpful. However, as one GP interviewed said, it is “far from ideal” – and this echoes the majority view.

Of 1,000 UK GPs surveyed in the show, 86% agreed that the prescribing of antidepressants has increased due to problems accessing specialist services. Only 1% feel this is the best treatment for depression. In fact, only one type of antidepressant has been shown to be effective and recommended as a treatment for depression in children and adolescents. Dr James Davies, a psychotherapist and mental health researcher, explained how withdrawing from antidepressants can often take longer than the seven days stated in clinical guidelines. A young man spoke of his months-long experience of “brain zaps”. The guidelines are currently being updated

Link to Guardian article 06-08-19