§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department has issued on the recognition of the symptoms of potential attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in(a) children and (b) adults. [64909]
§ Mr. HuttonThe issue of clinical guidance on mental health problems is primarily a matter for the relevant professional bodies. However in relation to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children the 97W Department has collaborated with professional and other groups seeking to raise general levels of awareness of ADHD and related disorders in order to facilitate better diagnosis and treatment. We have worked in this way with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the production of factsheets on child mental health problems including attention deficit disorders, with representatives of general practitioners on similar guidance for general practitioners and with the voluntary group 'Young Minds' on advice for schools.
We support the initiative being taken by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Research Unit to produce evidence based briefing on the use of stimulant medication in ADHD. This will be published shortly.
The recognition of ADHD in adults is very recent in the United Kingdom. As far as we are aware, no clinical guidelines have yet been produced.