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Ritalin

Answer

Information on numbers of prescriptions is taken from the Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system, supplied by the Prescription Services Division of the NHS Business Services Authority. The PCA system is not able to provide information on numbers of prescriptions by age of patients.In respect of the use of methylphenidate hydrochloride in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for children and young people, in December 2011, the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer, the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and the NHS Medical Director wrote to national health service clinicians and staff drawing their attention to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline on ADHD. This guideline highlights the need for any drug treatment for children and young people to always form part of a comprehensive treatment plan (including psychological, behaviour and educational advice and interventions). It is important that a range of clinicians—paediatricians and general practitioners as well as child and adolescent mental health service professionals—are well informed on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems in children and young people.Psychological therapies can in some cases form part of the holistic package of care that NICE recommended for children and young people with ADHD. High-quality, evidence-based treatment with a focus on individual patient outcomes is central to our programme to transform mental health services for children.The Department does not have data oh the number of children and young people assessed with ADHD, against which prescribing patterns could be compared.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

95045; 540 c714W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Methylphenidate

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk