Four children who were allegedly “over-medicated” after being referred to South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) have settled High Court actions for sums totalling €196,000.
Lawyer for the children Pearse Sreenan SC told the High Court that all four children, now aged between 12 and 17, were either over-medicated or given inappropriate medication.
The settlements against the Health Service Executive (HSE) were reached after mediation.
In the first case, one girl, now aged 16, was referred to South Kerry Camhs as she had a mild learning difficulty and a history of language delays and aggression.
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She was prescribed the antipsychotic drug risperidone in September 2019. It was claimed that the drug was prescribed without a clear rationale and another drug was later prescribed.
The dosage of the drug was later increased. The girl, who was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was on risperidone for three months, the court heard.
Counsel told the court she suffered significant side effects including painful muscle spasms for about four months. He said she missed school and fell behind in her studies. She settled her case for €60,000.
A boy, now aged 12, was referred to the service in July 2018 at the age six. He had been diagnosed with ADHD in 2019, was allegedly prescribed medication and he became unmotivated and withdrawn.
The court heard this had a significant impact on his sleep and his relations with his family. His case was settled for €50,000.
A girl, now aged 17, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and referred to Camhs. She was prescribed risperidone. It was claimed that there was a failure to adequately monitor her in 2019 following the prescription of the medication.
The court heard that a relative advised the girl’s mother to take her off the drug and she was only on it for two days. She settled her action for €16,000,
In the last case, another boy, now aged 15, with ADHD settled his action for €70,000. He had been referred to Camhs in 2017. He was prescribed risperidone among other medications.
It was claimed he was over-medicated and inadequately monitored for the impact of the prescribed medication. The court heard the boy suffered fatigue, weight gain and problems with emotional regulation.
Approving all four settlements, Ms Justice Denise Brett wished the children and their families well for the future.
A State compensation scheme was set up two years ago after controversy arose over the care provided by South Kerry Camhs.
There was a review carried out into the care of 1,300 young people. It found that the care received by 240 young people did not meet standards, while there was significant harm to 46 children.
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