HC Deb 07 April 2003 vol 403 c104W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of a possible link between ADD/ADHD and hypothyroidism: and if he will make a statement. [106595]

Jacqui Smith

While congenital hypothyroidism can cause deficits in attention no significant associations between abnormal thyroid hormone levels and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been found. Routine screening of thyroid function is not recommended as part of the diagnostic assessment of ADHD.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the percentage of children who fail to recover from ADD/ADHD by the time they reach adulthood. [106653]

Jacqui Smith

Research indications are that some of the symptoms of attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood can persist into adulthood in 30 to 70 per cent. of people. The wide percentage variation reflects the differing criteria and definitions used in the available research studies.

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