Thousands of children on ADHD drugs

THOUSANDS of children are on medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) causing “great concern” for parents who feel there are no alternatives.

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.