Children as young as 11 years old are being prescribed anti-depressants
In 2016/17 331 children under 18 were on anti-depressants including some as young as 11 years old.
Last updated 27th Dec 2017
Figures from a Freedom of Information request to NHS Highland reveal there are nearly four times as many girls on the medication than boys.
There are concerns cultural pressure in society is to blame for the difference between girls and boys suffering from poor mental health, specifically around body image and social pressures about fitting in.
The numbers show there has been no significant rise in the overall number of children being prescribed medication over the last five years.
An NHS Spokesperson said:
"People who suspect that they may have a depressive illness should not suffer in silence. Talk to a friend, and if you are worried, please contact your GP for advice.
"If you do not feel able to talk to a friend or your GP straight away then consider talking to a confidential telephone service such as Breathing Space.
"There is no shame in depression, and you should not suffer alone. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms. Please take the first step, and talk to someone about how you feel."
The FOI also stated some anti-depressants are prescribed for pain relief or chronic pain.
And a lot of the boys prescribed antidepressants for anxiety have an autistic spectrum diagnosis