[Prescription of central nervous system stimulants]

The Child and Adolescent Unit at Nordland Psychiatric Hospital has conducted a review of the prescription practice in its region with regard to central nervous system stimulants.

Data were collected from the region's pharmacies on the type of drug, the type of medical practitioners prescribing them, and patients's sex, age and community of residence.

The total numbers of users of Ritalin/Dexamin (methylphenidate/dextroamphetamine) were 199 children (under 18) and 21 adults (above 18). The male/female ratio was 4:1, boys between 8 and 13 being the largest group. Users in the below-18 group constituted 0.35% of their age group in our region. Prescriptions to children were in 188 out of 199 cases written by child psychiatrists or paediatricians. Prescription patterns in the seven local hospital areas in the region were almost identical, with one area forming an exception.

This survey suggest that because of insufficient knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, many children with this type of problems do not get the treatment they may need. Adequate treatment based on competent diagnostic assessment is assumed to relieve distress and counteract the development of further problems. Similar surveys in other Norwegian regions would enable us to compare prescription practice nation-wide.