❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks data on the prescription of SSRIs and other antidepressants to children receiving mental health services in WA. The answer provides a snapshot of data from WA Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for one week in May 2009, citing resource constraints for a more comprehensive response.
AnsweredQoN 746Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What is the number and proportion of children currently receiving Mental Health services that are prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) or other anti-depressants?
(2) How many children under 18 are prescribed SSRI’s either through the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, public hospitals or other State-run services?
(a) further, can this information be provided for the separate age groups of between;
(i) 11 – 17;
(ii) 5 – 10; and
(iii) 0 – 5?
(2) How many children under 18 are prescribed SSRI’s either through the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, public hospitals or other State-run services?
(a) further, can this information be provided for the separate age groups of between;
(i) 11 – 17;
(ii) 5 – 10; and
(iii) 0 – 5?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 June 2009
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
36 days
(1) The total number of children seen within WA Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services during the week beginning 4 May 2009 was 830; of which 149 children were currently on SSRI medication and 17 children were currently on other anti-depressants, being 20%.
(2) Of the149 children on existing SSRI medication, 113 were prescribed SSRI medication by WA Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - representing 75.83% of the total children.
(2a) (i) Aged 11-17 years: 110 children
(ii) Aged 5-10 years: 3 children
(iii) Aged 0-5 years: Nil children
Note: To provide an answer to a question of such an all-encompassing nature would divert vital clinical resources away from front-line client care for a significant period of time (approximately 25 clinical, medical, allied health and supporting administrative staff for an average of 9 days each).
Therefore, the above answer has been provided for a snapshot of a week from 4 to 8 May 2009 for WA Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services only.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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(2) Of the149 children on existing SSRI medication, 113 were prescribed SSRI medication by WA Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - representing 75.83% of the total children.
(2a) (i) Aged 11-17 years: 110 children
(ii) Aged 5-10 years: 3 children
(iii) Aged 0-5 years: Nil children
Note: To provide an answer to a question of such an all-encompassing nature would divert vital clinical resources away from front-line client care for a significant period of time (approximately 25 clinical, medical, allied health and supporting administrative staff for an average of 9 days each).
Therefore, the above answer has been provided for a snapshot of a week from 4 to 8 May 2009 for WA Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services only.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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