§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how he ensures the identification of children who may have severe untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; what progress has been made towards ensuring that the condition is recognised by teachers and school nurses in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [7333]
§ Jacqui SmithIn guidance published in October 2000 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence identified that of an estimated 69,000 six to 16-year-olds in England who met the diagnostic criteria for hyperkinetic disorder, for example severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), some 45,000 who might benefit from the drug methylphenidate were not receiving this treatment. The guidance also made it clear that a diagnosis of ADHD should be based on a timely, comprehensive assessment conducted by a child/adolescent psychiatrist or a paediatrician with expertise in this disorder. Referrals for specialist assessment can come from a number of sources including family members, general practitioners, social workers and teachers.
The Department for Education and Skills (DIES) is promoting a number of initiatives designed to help schools and teachers work with children with a range of emotional and behavioural needs, including ADHD. In June this year the DIES issued guidance on "Promoting Children's Mental Health within Early Years and School Settings" which has been circulated widely. The guidance covers not only mental health problems faced by children but also the approaches schools can take to promote children's mental health. It includes a section on attention deficit/hyperactivity which will help teaching staff identify pupils with ADHD. It also includes teaching strategies to help pupils with ADHD.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to carry out research on the correlation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and social exclusion; and if he will make a statement. [7334]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department does not currently have any plans to carry out research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social exclusion. The 1345W Department is providing or has provided support for a number of projects on ADHD in general. Details of 24 ongoing and 54 completed projects on ADHD are available on the national research register which can be accessed in medical libraries on CD-ROM or on the internet at www.doh.gov.uk/research/nrr.htm.