Chief Investigator:

Julie Klau (Early Career Researcher)

Research Area:

Mental Health.

Funding Amount:

$36,000

Recipient:

The University of Adelaide

Overview:

Psychiatric medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics are increasingly being prescribed to Australian children and adolescents, even though there are questions about how effective they are, and major concerns about safety. When taken during critical phases of physical and psychological development, these medications have unknown long-term health effects. They have been linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes, and can affect heart health during childhood and possibly predispose to heart  disease later in life. This project will provide valuable information about patterns of prescribing in Australia, the benefits and harms of these medications, and the impact on children’s overall health.