by A group of international experts and patient representatives have come together to propose new guidelines for the development of medicines aimed at treating mental health issues in children and young individuals. These recommendations focus on enhancing the processes involved in the development, assessment, and approval of these medications. The findings of this collaborative effort have been published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
The initiative was led by experts from the Child and Adolescent Network of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), in partnership with representatives from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and families of patients with first-hand experience of mental health problems in children and young individuals.
According to Prof. Samuele Cortese from the University of Southampton and the first author of the study, this is the first expert-patient collaboration of its kind. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among doctors, researchers, regulators, and individuals with personal experiences of mental health problems in advancing research in this field.
The experts identified novel study designs that should be incorporated into research on treatment in child and adolescent psychopharmacology. These designs aim to develop more effective and safer treatments for mental health disorders in young individuals. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the short and long-term effects of medications, leading to the need for a better understanding of when non-pharmacological treatments may be more appropriate.
To gather valuable insights, the project involved surveying families with children affected by mental health problems. The majority of respondents expressed the need for better communication regarding the risks and benefits of medicines. The study authors emphasized the importance of greater involvement of patients in research endeavors.
The article suggests that it may be worthwhile to reevaluate certain medications that were approved under less stringent conditions, with funding potentially coming from public sources. This recommendation highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications used in the treatment of mental health disorders in children and young individuals.
Professor Carmen Moreno, a researcher in Mental Health and Chair of the ECNP Child and Adolescent Network, stressed the need to prioritize the study of treatments in this population due to the increasing demand for mental health care. She advocated for the use of innovative treatment designs and the careful evaluation of potential side effects.
Professor Diane Purper-Ouakil, from the University Hospital of Montpellier, France, and co-chair of the initiative, emphasized the prevalence of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults. She underscored the necessity for research studies that consider developmental factors, aiming to improve access to effective and safe medicines while providing appropriate prescription practices and guidelines.
Ms. Christine Getin, the Director of ADHD France, expressed her satisfaction with being able to contribute to this significant study. She highlighted the importance of active involvement by associations representing individuals with personal experiences in order to make research more comprehensive and representative.
The collaboration between experts, patient representatives, and healthcare professionals is crucial for advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders in children and young individuals. It is imperative that such collaborations continue in order to develop studies that take into account the firsthand experiences of those affected by these conditions.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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