Risk of moderate or major harm in more than half of cases investigated at North Kerry Camhs

"The review also found that 79pc of service users were prescribed psychotropic medication, an unusually high rate. In comparison, a HSE national prescribing audit in 2023 came back with a rate of 39pc. Almost all children with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism were prescribed psychotropic drugs. Above average prescribing of antipsychotic medication Risperidone and ADHD medication guanfacine was also found. Both have significant side effects, in particular weight gain and sedation."

""Polypharmacy, the prescription of two or more drugs simultaneously, was also noted to be a concerning feature," the report said. Also highlighted in the report were failures in compliance with recommended physical health assessment and monitoring and a disproportionately low rate of individual or family psychotherapeutic interventions. Children with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities or mental disorders had no access to non-medical intervention at the service, which was found to be significantly under-resourced."

A review of 374 case files in Co Kerry identified concerns in 197 cases (53%), with five major and the remainder moderate. Seventy-nine percent of service users were prescribed psychotropic medication, versus 39% nationally. Almost all children with confirmed or suspected autism received psychotropic drugs. Above-average prescribing of risperidone and guanfacine occurred, with side effects including weight gain and sedation. Polypharmacy and failures in physical health monitoring were common. Children with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities experienced higher prescribing (94%), polypharmacy, no access to non-medical interventions, and an 89% risk of potential harm.

Read at Irish Independent