Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most diagnosed childhood neurological disorder in Australia. Over the years, it has been the subject of controversy about potential misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. There has also been variation in levels of diagnosis and drug prescription, depending on where you live and your socioeconomic status .
To address these concerns and improve consistency in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has released a new prescribing guide . This will help the health-care workforce to consistently get the right treatment to the right people, with the right mix of medical and non-medical supports. Here's how ADHD prescribing has changed over time and what the new guidelines mean.
What is ADHD and how is it treated? Up to one in ten young Australians experience ADHD. It is diagnosed due to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that have negative effects at home, school or work. Psychostimulant medication is a central pillar of ADHD treatment.
However, the internationally recognized approach is to combine medicines with non-medical interventions in a multimodal approach. These non-medical interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, educational strategies and other supports. Medication use has changed over time In Australia, Ritalin (methylphenidate) was originally the most prescribed ADHD medication .
This changed in the 1990s after the introduction of dexamp.