HC Deb 17 November 2003 vol 413 c475W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce in Northern Ireland non-drug behavioural therapies used in the United States for the treatment of attention deficit disorder; and if he will make a statement. [138976]

Angela Smith

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a very complex disorder with both genetic and environmental components to its aetiology. There is established evidence that medication is an effective mainstay of management and should be used within an overall package of care and support. This package should include advice around management of behaviour for parents, carers and teachers. Considerable local expertise is available through the child and adolescent mental health teams. If specific non-drug behavioural therapies are used this would be at the discretion of the clinicians.