A Nov. 16 article by Kate Sikora of The Daily Telegraph has revealed that New South Wales (NSW) now lead all of Australia in the number of children who are receiving medication for ADHD. As Sikora's article indicates, this news has prompted concern from those who believe that ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are being over-prescribed:

Of the 57,419 Australian children on ADHD medications, more than a third are from NSW.

Figures released by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) show 22,824 children were prescribed Strattera, Dexamphetamine or Methylphenindate last year - up from 18,593 in 2007.

Aggressive marketing and a flood of new ADHD drugs on the market were being blamed for the rise, as well as "enthusiastic" prescribing doctors.

Anti-ADHD drug campaigner, West Australian Labor MP Martin Whitely, said governments and doctors needed to take action. "NSW is the hot spot. It's the ADHD capital," he said.

Labels: medications, adderall, ritalin

Posted By: 4ADHD.com