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Government
to consider review of ADHD causes and treatments
November
21, 2007
by Chris George
The
government is to consider carrying out a "wide-ranging"
review of the causes and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) following a call from a leading neurologist.
Baroness
Susan Greenfield, professor of pharmacology at the University of
Oxford, asked the government at Lords question time last week to
consider the issue following concerns about the increase in the
prescribing of Ritalin and other ADHD drugs such as Concerta to
children.
In response, government spokeswoman Baroness Royall of Blaisdon,
said: "It is not clear whether the percentage of children with
ADHD has increased in recent years or whether this reflects greater
awareness of the condition.
"But I certainly think the suggestion that there should be
a wide-ranging review is interesting, although of course it would
go far wider than the Department of Health. It would have to be
a cross-government initiative.
"I would therefore have to take it back to my colleagues who
I am sure will discuss the suggestion with you. But I can assure
you we will pursue your suggestion."
Meanwhile, the government has announced it is to invest £31
million in young peoples' psychiatric wards.
A new mental health bill, which will become law next year, states
children should never be placed in adult psychiatric wards.
Mental health minister Ivan Lewis said the money would be split
between 17 projects across the NHS. Their remit would be to increase
mental health beds for young people.
Mr Lewis has promised that by November
2008 no child under 16 will be treated on an adult mental health
ward.
He has also pledged to made “substantive
progress” in reducing the number of 16-18 year olds on adult
wards.
See also:
Nov 14, 2007: "Investigate ADHD
drugs" peer to urge - Baroness Susan Greenfield, a professor
of pharmacology, says "time is ripe for an inquiry exploring
the actual causes of ADHD"
Read more
at:
Young People
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