Department of Health statement

A Department of Health spokesperson said:

"The Department of Health has supported a number of initiatives taken by professional bodies and voluntary groups to raise awareness of ADHD and ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

"The National Institute of Clinical Excellence in England (NICE) has advised that drug therapy should only be part of a comprehensive treatment programme that includes a range of social, psychological and behavioural interventions.

"Careful, informed clinical decision-making, involving the parents and child should involve discussion of the benefits versus the risks of all interventions.

"NICE has also recommended that drug treatment for ADHD should only be initiated by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with expertise in ADHD.

"We have also asked NICE to develop a clinical guideline on both the pharmacological and psychological interventions to treat ADHD.

"The guideline will cover the care provided by primary, community and secondary healthcare professionals who have direct contact with, and make decisions concerning, the care of children, young people and adults with ADHD."