- It is a very difficult question to answer, do not think anyone really knows. The only thing we can know for sure is that it is multifactorial, that there are many different reasons, says Marit Gustafsson, chief pediatric pediatric and adolescent psychiatrist.

Naturally, the medication increased

But if you see that in Jönköping County there are over 70,000 children and young people up to the age of 18, a small proportion are treated with antidepressants. Last year, there were 627 children up to 17 years who were once or regularly given antidepressant medication prescribed in Jönköping County. It can be compared to 2014 when that figure was 368.

- In a way, it is very natural that as a disease condition increases, treatment also increases and that in many ways it is good that we attend to the diseases we see, says Marit Gustafsson.

She says that medication is a great help for this group to feel better and get schoolwork and everyday life working again. And according to Marit Gustafsson, the side effects are relatively few.

- The side effects in the initial stage, when you take the medicine, for example, can be nausea and headache. In the end, there are relatively few who have side effects, so we put out the medicine.

Supplementary treatment is provided

In addition, medication is often supplemented by discussions with a psychologist. Family therapy treatment or help from an occupational therapist can also be offered.

- We also collaborate with school and social services when needed, says Marit Gustafsson.

How do you handle the increased pressure in child and adolescent psychiatry?

- For this group we manage relatively well, those who have the difficult conditions always get help immediately, says Marit Gustafsson.

For patients with moderate or mild conditions, there is a certain queue time when it comes to psychological treatment.

- For those who have the most mild conditions, the queue time can be up to five months.