The number of Australian children and teenagers intentionally poisoning themselves with over-the-counter drugs and antidepressants has doubled in the past decade — prompting renewed calls for a fresh approach to youth mental health.

Researchers from the University of Sydney say that self-harm via self-poisoning has not only increased, it’s also occurring in younger age groups where such behaviour was previously uncommon.

Analysis of data from the NSW and Victorian poisons information centres reveals that between 2006 and 2016, there were more than 33,000 calls about intentional poisonings in people aged five to 19 years.

This represents an annual increase of 8.4% or 98% overall in the 11-year period.