Written question asked by Ieuan Wyn Jones (Plaid Cymru), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 November 1996. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What is his Department's latest assessment of the effectiveness of dopamine releasing agents with special reference to Ritalin, in the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder; what is his assessment of the use currently made of such treatment in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's latest assessment of the effectiveness of dopamine-releasing agents with special reference to Ritalin, in the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder; what is his assessment of the use currently made of such treatment in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement. [2508] Mr. Burns: We recognise that the more severe forms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be treated with Ritalin or other appropriate medication. Such medication should be part of a comprehensive treatment programme which may also include psychological, educational and social measures designed to stabilise children with the condition. There is a widespread view among clinicians in this country that a higher percentage of such children are treated with medication in the United States than is desirable or necessary.

Secondary information