Stimulant use in school-age children with ADHD
12 July 2002
One in 8 Australian school-aged children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been prescribed stimulant medication, a national survey has found.
The survey — the first to examine the prevalence of psychotropic medication use in Australian children and adolescents — has shown that 12.6 per cent with ADHD are being treated with stimulants, 2.3 per cent with antidepressants and 1.9 per cent with clonidine.
While the researchers were unable to say whether these figures indicated children were being under or overtreated, they did suggest additional information was needed to help clarify when stimulants should be used (Medical Journal of Australia 2002; 177: 21-25).
The study examined 3597 questionnaires, filled in by a parent or main caregiver of children aged 6-17 years. While a total of 1.8 per cent of all children were taking stimulant medication, not all had ADHD. About one-quarter were taking stimulants to treat attention problems or aggressive behaviour.
Last Reviewed: 15 July 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 12 July 2002
