DUBAI // Researchers have warned against the use of some anti-depressants that could pose an increased suicide risk for children and adolescents.
A study published in the British Medical Journal has concluded children and teenagers using one of five commonly used drugs to treat depression have double the risk of suicide and aggressive behaviour.
According to child psychiatrists in Dubai, therapy should be trialled first before administering medication as a last resort.
While a link was found among young people, no link was found in adults who had taken duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline or venlafaxine.
Two of the drugs listed - fluoxetine and sertraline - are commonly used in the UAE and can help young people whose condition has not improved through cognitive behavioural therapy, or similar treatments.
Dr Amber Sadiq, a lead consultant psychiatrist at the Camali Clinic in Dubai, said young people need care tailored for them.
“I would always recommend a child is seen by a specialist mental health service, not by an adult mental health specialist,” she said.
“It is about ensuring the care is joined up and collaborative. It is better for children to get all of this care in one place.
“We know there is an increased risk in self harm and suicidal thinking in children. If a parent has concerns, they should speak with someone who has the expertise to assess, diagnose and treat their child.”
Children diagnosed with depression are at an increased risk in the first four to six weeks, so it is critical they are given all the information about how the drugs work and their side effects.
Dr Sadiq added: “Anti-depressants can be effective and save lives of kids who are not responding to therapy. If they are correctly prescribed, they can be extremely beneficial.
“It depends on the doctor and where they have trained but the medication prescribed here is generally the same as elsewhere.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that one in five children in the world experience significant mental health or emotional issues, with half of mental disorders in adulthood beginning before the age of 14.
Dr Haneen Jarrar, a child psychologist at the Camali Clinic, said: “Anxiety in children and adolescents is one of the most prominent mental health issues we see. Parents feel it is normal that children are feeling anxious, so it is not reported, but it can be debilitating.”
The Camali Clinic has launched a School Readiness programme, which aims to bridge the gap between home schooling and mainstream schools for children with special needs.
Dr Jarrar added: “More healthcare facilities and supporting programmes such as our School Readiness programme should be considered.”
nwebster@thenational.ae
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Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (UAE kick-off times)
Cologne v Hoffenheim (11.30pm)
Saturday
Hertha Berlin v RB Leipzig (6.30pm)
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Mainz v Union Berlin (6.30pm)
Paderborn v Augsburg (6.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (9.30pm)
Sunday
Borussia Monchengladbach v Werder Bremen (4.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen (6.30pm)
SC Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt (9on)
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THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
