§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's assessment of(a) the relevance of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for problems of school pupil behaviour and aggression, (b) the number and percentage of pupils affected by attention deficit disorder and (c) the likely degree to which children may inherit attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and if she will make a statement. [28730]
§ Mr. BowisAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of several possible causes of behavioural problems, including aggression, in school pupils. The number of pupils affected is not available centrally. Recent research suggests that severe hyperkinetic disorder, which is one form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is found in about 1 in 200 children.
The degree to which children may inherit attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a complex issue, but it is accepted that there is some inherited component.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has in association with the Department of Education to promote knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, together with appropriate training, among child psychiatrists and paediatricians to contribute towards dealing with problems of classroom discipline. [28731]
§ Mr. BowisThe handbook on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, which we published jointly with the Department for Education in March, includes references to the training of professional groups involved in the treatment of young people with emotional and behavioural disorders. Copies of the handbook are available in the Library.