Region follows trend in ADHD rates

The number of prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication has jumped by 30 per cent in Wanganui in the past six years.

Figures from Pharmac, the Government's drug-buying agency, show the number of subsidised prescriptions for medications like Ritalin in Wanganui reached 1700 last year, up from 1300 in 2006.

Allergy ADHD Wanganui president Sharyn Wylie said many families with ADHD members struggled.

"Usually the child will not accept 'no' for an answer."

Mrs Wylie, whose adult son, Mark, has ADHD, said she had to separate her son from his siblings when he became too difficult to control in his younger years.

His behaviour changed when he was weaned off milk.

Mrs Wylie said their group emphasised a non-drug approach to treatment.

"We do not believe that medication is the first way to help [for ADHD children]."

Nationally, prescription numbers have jumped by nearly 40 per cent in the past six years - from 77,800 in 2006 to 107,400 in 2011.

Prescription numbers jumped by about 50 per cent in Northland and 35 per cent in Hawke's Bay during the same period.

ADHD is defined by the Ministry of Health as a behavioural condition. Sufferers often have problems with concentration, impulsiveness and over-activity.

New Zealand's ADHD Association says the increase in prescriptions probably reflects a greater awareness.

"Traditionally they thought [ADHD] was something that teenage boys have," national coordinator Marceline Borren said. "Now it's known it is neurological, it's quite genetic ... [and] it's something you learn to manage."

Ms Borren said there had also been a recent increase in the number of adults diagnosed.

Pharmac figures show the number aged over-20 being prescribed ADHD medication has increased by nearly 40 per cent since 2009. Last year 4060 patients were being treated in this age group, compared to 2960 in 2009.

Adolescent patients, aged 10 to 19 years, made up the bulk of medication recipients.

In 2011, 53 per cent of all patients using ADHD medication were in this age group. Figures also showed 30 children aged four years or younger were on the medication.

ADHD specialist Dr Tony Hanne said it was likely many people were living with ADHD and had no idea.

"One-in-20 people have [ADHD], which would be 200,000 people in the country."

He did not believe ADHD medication was over-prescribed. APNZ

ADHD common symptoms

Overactivity - lots of energy and trouble sitting still - even for activities they enjoy.

Impulsiveness - interrupt frequently, have trouble waiting their turn, do things without thinking.

Short attention span - easily distracted, difficulty listening to instructions or focusing on schoolwork.

Source: Ministry of Health