Thousands of children on ADHD drugs
It is estimated that about 60,000 young people under 18 have ADHD. But according to the HSE, only a small proportion of children are referred to a child and adolescent mental health service for assessment and treatment.
How many young people are actually on medication for the disorder is impossible to gauge, but figures from the state-funded medical schemes show a prescribing frequency of 40,718 for Ritalin and another drug Strattera.
The cost for ADHD drugs paid for by the state in 2009 was in excess of €3.2 million.
Nationwide, there are now 37 clinics dedicated to young people with the disorder. In one month in 2009, over activity and attention disorders accounted for 33.1% (2,303 cases) of all cases seen by CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services).
According to consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr Keith Holmes, more than half of young people diagnosed with the condition will be prescribed medication.
Dr Holmes said drugs are necessary to treat ADHD as major symptoms don’t go away on their own.
He said children as young as six or seven with significant symptoms would be put on a stimulant drug, Ritalin or a non-stimulant medication, Strattera.
Dr Holmes maintains the condition is still being under diagnosed and that there is probably about one child with ADHD in a class of 30.
Joe Jeffers, project coordinator for the Cork branch of family support group HADD, said parents have “huge concern” about medicating their children but in most cases end up having to do so.
“From day-one parents look at all the alternatives, but there is little else on offer other than to say we will monitor how you get on with medication, and that’s it.
“I think the multi-disciplinary idea is a good one, but the problem is there are no outcomes given. We are being told what is done but we never see results,” he said.
According to Mr Jeffers, another big issue is trying to get children assessed for their educational needs.
“Schools do not support the child unless they have the paperwork to show a diagnosis and this can take years.
“Many schools only have two appointments with National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) a year... The longer the child is left at school without the right help the worse things will get.”
A HSE spokesman said an annual review of the need for medication is recommended. This involves withdrawal of drugs for a number of weeks to establish if it is still required.
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