Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:386 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the known characteristics of the condition known as attention deficit hyperactive disorder; and the treatment for same available here. [4728/03]
Written Answers. - Mental Health.
Known characteristics of attention deficit hyperactive disorder include inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
The development of services for the management and treatment of attention deficit disorder-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADD-ADHD, was considered by the working group on child and adolescent psychiatric services estab lished by the Department of Health and Children in June 2000. In its report, presented in March 2001, the working group stated that the prevalence of ADD-ADHD in Ireland can be estimated at somewhere between 1% and 5% of school age children, that is, aged five to 15 years, which is in line with the research findings in other European countries. The group recommended the enhancement and expansion of the overall child and adolescent psychiatric service as the most effective means of providing the required service for children with this condition.
All aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, treatment and management of children suffering from ADD-ADHD were considered by the working group in the course of its deliberations. In its report, the different components of treatment required were set out and the importance of adequate linkages with other services, such as the education services and the community health services, were emphasised. The working group found that the internationally acknowledged best practice for the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services is through the multi-disciplinary team.
The health strategy Quality and Fairness – A Health System For You includes a commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of the working group's report. In 2002, additional revenue funding of €6.061 million, £4.773, was allocated to provide for the appointment of additional consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry, for the enhancement of existing consultant-led multi-disciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. A further €1.64 million was allocated in 2003.