Prescriptions for ADHD drug treble

Thu, 24 May 2012

There has been a big increase in Ritalin

The number of prescriptions issued for a drug used to treat people with ADHD in the Isle of Man, have trebled in the last five years.

Health Minister David Anderson revealed the increase in the amount of people being prescribed Ritalin in the House of Keys earlier this week.

Figures show that in 2007/08 there were 436 prescriptions issued compared to 1,256 in 2011/2012.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services have estimated that around 150 children and young people are currently prescribed the drug – equivalent to 0.9 per cent of children under 18 on the Island.

Mr Anderson said the reasons for the increase were because of a greater understanding of the condition, improved methods of detection and more research.