According to a new study, drug treatments for certain patients in the UK with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) do not always seem to be available. Statistics showed a drop in ADHD prescriptions for patients aged between 15 and 21 (compared to those for earlier ages), and this intimated that there was some degree of drug prescription shortfall.

The study - funded by the National Health Service -was carried out by a team of researchers headed by the University of London's Professor Ian Wong. While acknowledging that ADHD drug treatment beyond childhood remained a grey area, the report pointed to mounting evidence to support ideas that ADHD extended beyond infant years into later life.

ADHD is traditionally linked to impulsiveness, lack of attention and concentration, and apparent randomness. Medically-speaking, it sits within the autistic spectrum of conditions and one-in-20 children are thought to have it.

ADHD Treatment

ADHD treatment often takes place with stimulant drugs which help to restore the brain's balance back up to 'normal' levels. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta, dextroamphetamines such as Dexedrine, and the combination amphetamine/dextroamphetamine Adderall.

In the study, Professor Wong stressed that it was not clear what was fuelling the apparent drop-off in ADHD medication levels in late teenage and early adult years, but what was apparent was that symptoms still persisted, in many instances. In other words - the suggestion was that not everybody that needed appropriate medicating was receiving treatment - and this idea was supported by further research.

ADHD Drugs

Through speaking to doctors and patients alike, the researchers found a number of patients that were keen to still take ADHD drugs like Ritalin, but had experienced complications getting hold of it as adults.

"The results of our study suggest there is a possibility that treatment is prematurely discontinued in some young adults", Professor Wong asserted. "For some, they are still having symptoms but they can't get hold of treatments. It was quite clear when we interviewed clinicians that it's a real problem."

According to two-year-old guidelines, ADHD drug provision should be restricted to children and teenagers with extreme ADHD, and these medications should supplement therapy-like treatments.
"The transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult services is a critical point for young people with complex mental health needs including those with ADHD", a spokesman for the Department of Health told the BBC. "The government is developing support to help young people's and adult services improve these transitions to ensure that both the processes and the models of care meet the needs of young people and their families."

See also:

Treatment of ADHD with Drugs Ineffective