Childhood Depression
Page: 15217
The Hon. JOHN TINGLE: My question without notice is addressed to the Special Minister of State, representing the Minister for Health. Is the Minister aware of recent media reports that up to 5,000 Australian children younger than five have been diagnosed with depression and are prescribed antidepressant drugs? Will the Minister say whether, in reference to New South Wales, these reports are correct? If the reports are correct will the Minister state what diagnostic criteria psychiatrists use to determine whether a child aged five years or less is suffering depression?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: I thank the Hon. John Tingle for that very good question. I will refer the matter to the Minister for Health and ask him to respond as soon as practicable.