New Drug To Treat Growing ADHD Problem

by Carolyn Jurgens

June 2, 2004

SCHOOLYARD "Dexie" dealers and recreational Ritalin abuse may eventually be reduced if the recently launched, long-acting ADHD medication "Concerto" is successful on the Australian market.

The availability of long-acting (slow release) medications means that children will only need one tablet per day taken at home, eliminating the risk of their medication being stolen or sold.

The prescription and abuse of ADHD medications has been a prominent issue in recent months, the topic given greater momentum by claims that certain celebrities behave badly due to having the disorder.

Expert medical opinion is divided on the issue, though research on ADHD and related conditions shows a strong correlation exists between insufficiently treated ADHD and criminal activity.

Dr Melvyn Wall, in his report on ADHD and juvenile crime, has cited a nine-fold increase in the consumption of dexamphetamine (dexies) and Ritalin in WA over the last five years.

Dr Wall's report claims this statistic has no significance, other than to indicate that people in this state are more aware of the disorder.

Ms Michelle Toner, executive director of the Learning and Attention Disorders Society, said current figures for ADHD diagnosis and drug prescription are inaccurate and misleading because they have been collected by unsound methods.

Figures gathered by the Stimulants Committee will provide an accurate picture of ADHD diagnosis and drug use. Ms Toner recommends the public wait for the release of these statistics before trying to reach conclusions about alleged "excesses" in diagnosis and prescription.

Ms Toner emphasises the importance of realising ADHD is a serious condition, with severely debilitating effects which "cannot be gotten over with self-discipline".

The society provides support to people with ADHD, many of whom cannot normally afford three-phase treatment, by advocating the use of medication, counselling and behavioural management.

Despite the seriousness of ADHD, it is regularly used as an excuse for anti-social behaviour and medications are widely abused for purposes of recreation and physical endurance.

Perth pharmacist Sean Feely said a 20-day waiting period on repeat prescriptions does not protect ADHD medications from abuse, with some patients managing to collect hundreds of extra pills by "shopping around" pharmacies.

Some prominent Perth doctors, who believe the disorder is responsible for drug dependency, are putting people with serious addictions on ADHD medications.

Tablets are sold for one or two dollars each "on the street or in the schoolyard" in an attempt to support heroin and speed addictions.

Although these people represent a small percentage of those prescribed Ritalin and dexamphetamine, their activities are a major cause for concern.

Many practitioners of complementary and dietary medicine believe ADHD may be partly diet induced.

The society said there is no evidence of this, although they acknowledge food sensitivities are often found in people with ADHD and may aggravate the condition's symptoms.

Despite the improvements that Concerto may bring, Mr Feely said all lines of inquiry should be fully explored before treatment becomes exclusively drug-based.

The next few years will reveal if Concerto can meet the expectations of all concerned, but only understanding ADHD will reduce public anxiety and lessen opportunities for abuse of the health system.