Adolescent mental health ‘too complex for simplistic answers’, inquest hears

A Hobart paediatrician says more mental health support for young Tasmanians is needed – in the form of community services and in hospital.

An inquest into the death of Liam Mead, 16, is being held at the Hobart Magistrates Court.

SUPPORTING adolescents with mental illness is complex and, in addition to a dedicated mental health ward for young people, more community support is needed, an inquest has heard.

“It’s a question of what and how do we help them. It’s too complex for simplistic answers,” paediatrician Dr Anagha Jayakar on Wednesday told an inquest into the death of Liam Mead, 16, in 2017.

The Taroona boy died after receiving treatment for mental illness, including a period at a private clinic in Victoria.

Coroner Ken Stanton is investigating Liam’s death, and has heard his death was likely a suicide.

DAD TELLS OF FEARS FOR OTHER PARENTS

Dr Jayakar said while there were plans for an inpatient adolescent mental health unit in Tasmania, it was not all that needed to be done.

The state has a community child and adolescent mental health service and Dr Jayakar said more needed to be done in the community.

“The ideal model is to work right from the beginning, supporting families and getting some positive mental health experiences for young children so the crisis situation can be mitigated or moderated,” she said.

Dr Jayakar said a dedicated ward was needed for those patients who required hospital admission. She said while it was not the case for Liam, some young people’s mental health issues were associated with substance abuse.

“We have a huge problem with substance abuse in young people … and we have no safe, secure place for them to be able to detox, and the ward is not the right place and neither is Ashley [Youth Detention Centre],” Dr Jayakar said.

The inquest has heard young people who require hospital care for mental illness were usually admitted to the general paediatrics ward or, in cases were there were safety issues, the adult psychiatric ward.

It is expected adolescent mental health beds will open at the Launceston General Hospital in September and at the Royal Hobart Hospital in the following six months.

The inquest continues.

For 24/7 crisis support contact Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or Lifelineon 13 11 14.