Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 23 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 June 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 June 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many prescriptions of Ritalin were issued in each of the last five years for (a) attention deficit disorder and (b) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each (i) region and (ii) health authority. - Includes fact that the number of prescription items dispensed in the community for methylphenidate hydrochloride by health authorities and regions for the period 1999 to 2001 are shown in the table, a copy in Library (Dep 03/254).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescriptions of Ritalin were issued in each of the last five years for (a) attention deficit disorder and (b) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each (i) region and (ii) health authority. [60088] Jacqui Smith: This information is not collected centrally in the form, or for the years, requested. The available data on the number of prescription items dispensed in the community (for example excluding items written and dispensed in hospitals) for methylphenidate hydrochloride by health authorities and regions for the period 1999 to 2001 are shown in the table, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. It should be noted that Ritalin, the brand name for a drug used mainly in the treatment of severe forms of childhood attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, is the principal but not the only presentation of methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 60088; 386 c1325-6W;386 c1326W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Health authorities ADHD Economic regions Prescription drugs Prescriptions Methylphenidate
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk