Who can prescribe Prozac etc to 13 yr old?

[lunicorn]

DD has Selective Mutism and is supported by a private speech therapist. I've been told it can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist, not a GP. So, in our situation, how would we go about investigating it's possible use? Thanks

Its very very difficult to get and GPs won’t prescribe as you know
Unfortunately a psychiatrist won’t usually see someone (especially a child) unless referred by a GP and even then it’s hard to find a psychiatrist who deals with children, even a Private one, although it may be easier in London I imagine
Why do you think your child needs Prozac?

When I took Prozac I wasn't suicidal, but after a few days of taking it I thought about suicide all the time. It's a common side effect. Be very careful of your child being prescribed this drug.

Thanks for advice. I would think very carefully. Anecdotally, I know of many children who are making progress with speaking with a combination of Prozac or Zoloft and decent therapy. I think she may benefit as she's not really able to come close at the moment to challenge herself to speak in many situations. If her anxiety is lowered, she may be able to slowly make some steps with talking.

Hollow there is a common theory that if you are very depressed you can’t even consider suicide as it would involve some effort but some ADs lift your mood to the level where you feel a bit better and more able to be proactive - hence the suicidal thoughts .

I was prescribed prozac when I was 14 by my gp. It was many years ago though and I agree with pp to be cautious.

It is common for adolescents to get very powerful suicidal ideation from anti-depressants. I'd be very cautious of this choice.

It would have to be from a child psychiatrist. You're GP will not prescribe that and they are not expected to. You would need to ask for a referral to CAMHS (which your GP can do but be warned that CAMHS rejected loads of referrals and will often only see the most unwell children after a long wait) or see a private child psychiatrist. They will do an assessment and see if an antidepressant is appropriate (be aware they may still not feel it's appropriate and decline to prescribe if it's a private assessment). That would also then entail a private prescription (you usually pay for the prescription then the drug itself which may be costly especially if your child will only take liquids as these are usually a special prep).

Thanks for further advice.

I was given it by CAHMS before that age

My Dd (15) was proscribed propanol a betablocker for anxiety recently by gp, she’s autistic, which has helped her anxiety massively, would really recommend considering it. It’s not licensed for under 16, but is used for other reasons in kids. pharmacist was reluctant initially but it doesn’t stay in blood stream for long , is not addictive.
Our area now has an “Early help “ team which you see within 1 month of referral from gp

You need CAMHS to do this but getting to Tier 3 (psychiatry level) won't be quick. Our autistic son was prescribed propranolol for anxiety which has helped massively by an amazing CAMHS child psychiatrist but it took a long time to get there. He's having psychology therapy as well and it's all doing wonders for him. We looked for a private psychiatrist but couldn't find one anywhere nearby.