ADHD medication prescribing falling: report
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Margaret Stevens comments on ADHD study
A new report shows the number of children being prescribed stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Western Australia has fallen by 15 per cent in a year.
The study by the Health Department shows about 6000 were treated with stimulants such as Ritalin or Dexamphetamine in 2007, about 1000 fewer than the previous year.
The number has dropped by 2,500 since the department began monitoring it in 2004.
Public health physician Margaret Stevens says the report does not look at the reasons for the fall, but it could be the result of a number of factors.
"Whether that reflects different diagnostic decisions by prescribers or different treatment decisions, we really don't know," she said.
The study also shows there are now more adults than children taking medication for the disorder, with the number increasing by about 700 since 2004.
