Finding into death of Devlin Charles Duffy

21y · Male·asphyxia from inhalation of helium

21-year-old Devlin Duffy died from asphyxia due to helium inhalation. He had connective tissue disease causing chronic pain and disability. In May 2016, his GP Dr N. diagnosed moderate depression and prescribed desvenlafaxine 50mg after assessing him as not currently suicidal. She referred him to Headspace psychology. At a follow-up in June, Devlin appeared improved. He did not return for further appointments and likely ceased antidepressants by June 2016. He was not being treated for depression at the time of death. The coroner found desvenlafaxine was within prescribing guidelines for dose, route and frequency, but noted current evidence supports fluoxetine or escitalopram as preferred first-line agents in young adults. Key clinical lessons: the importance of documented follow-up after antidepressant initiation, ensuring engagement with mental health services, family involvement in monitoring for young adults on antidepressants, and the need for up-to-date prescribing guidelines for antidepressants in adolescents and young adults.