"A major review of North Kerry Camhs has found there was a risk of moderate or major harm in respect of more than half of the cases on the service's books in 2022. The shocking findings were made in respect of 197 out of 374 case files - a rate of 53pc - reviewed by a team of consultant psychiatrists, while risk of minor harm was identified in 12 further cases."
"The long-awaited review report from a team led by consultant psychiatrist Dr Colette Halpin 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 at the North Kerry service."
A major review of North Kerry CAMHS found a risk of moderate or major harm in 197 of 374 case files (53%) from 2022, with minor harm in 12 further cases. The review found 79% of service users were prescribed psychotropic medication, compared with a 39% national audit rate in 2023. Almost all children with confirmed or suspected autism were prescribed psychotropic drugs at the service. Above-average prescribing of risperidone and guanfacine was identified, with median risperidone use 22 months and at least one case of 94 months. Polypharmacy was common, with some children on up to seven medications; sodium valproate was used in 42% of intellectually disabled cases despite not being licensed for behavioural dysregulation and not used nationally. The report noted overuse of medication and a low rate of individual or family psychotherapeutic interventions, inconsistent with standard CAMHS practice.
Read at Irish Independent
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