PARENTS of a young man believe a change in medication to treat his mental illness caused his suicide, an inquest has been told.

Viktor Scott-Brown, who was 23, was found dead by his mother at his home in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, in the early hours of December 15, 2018.

Yesterday, an inquest was resumed at Crook Civic Centre by Assistant Coroner for County Durham Oliver Longstaff.

Viktor’s parents, Nick and Claire Scott, who were at the hearing, have submitted a detailed account of his long history of mental illness, and their frustration with healthcare providers who treated him.

Viktor suffered from depression and anxiety and twice dropped out of university due to the problems he was experiencing.

The month before he died Viktor was diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder, and doctors also felt he could also have an underlying borderline personality disorder.

The decision was taken to prescribe lamotrigine but his family have since found the drug can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

In their statement the family said: “This drug massively changed Viktor’s mindset.

“If he had been warned about the increased risk of suicidal ideation he would have probably stopped taking the medication. If Viktor had been warned steps could have been put in place to minimise the risk such as him moving back into the family home.

“Had Viktor been warned he would still be alive today.”

The family also referred the coroner to information from the drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, which shows the increased risk in suicidal ideation is known and that warnings should have been given to Viktor and his parents.

The company estimates there is one case of suicidal thinking or behaviour for every 530 patients treated and said there were four suicides in drug-treated patients during trials.

The inquest heard Viktor had spoken about having suicidal thoughts previously but would never act on them because of the effect it would have on his family.

In their statement the family said: “He was in no way reckless.

“He was a much-loved young man.

“His death came as a huge and unexpected shock to his family.”

* Samaritans is available round-the-clock, every single day of the year, to listen and offer confidential support when things are getting to you, by phone on 116 123, or find the details for your local branch at www.samaritans.org.

The inquest continues.