Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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587. To ask the Minister for Health given recently expressed concern regarding inappropriate prescribing of psychotropic drugs to older or disabled patients, the arrangements his Department has put in place to monitor the appropriateness of the rapidly increasing prescription of psychotropic drugs for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34652/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Mental health problems in children are generally treated at Primary Care level. However, where symptoms are moderate to severe in intensity, children are referred by their GPs to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). A comprehensive assessment of the child is then carried out by professionals on the team to formulate a diagnosis following which an Integrated Care Plan is drawn up.

In most children, interventions are psychosocial. For some problems such as psychosis or severe depression, medication is essential and prescribed along with psychosocial interventions.

Another group of children and adolescents usually referred to CAMHS services are those with a possible diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Up to 5% of school going children will have ADHD and until recently it was poorly recognised and under-treated. The diagnosis is again made following assessment by skilled professional staff with subsequent care and treatment delivered as the relevant bio psychosocial interventions based on the assessed needs of the child. These may include occupational therapy, guidance to parents on managing behaviours and medication to reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration. Educational supports may be also required and schools are advised accordingly.

Hence, medication is used as one of a range of interventions with most children requiring two or more interventions. The medications are used in line with prescribing guidelines and monitored carefully. Primary Care Reimbursement Service data on the number of prescriptions for methylphenidate shows an approximate nine fold rise from 2001 and 2015 but the absolute number of prescriptions is not out of line with the known prevalence of ADHD. The increase in that time period reflects improved awareness and knowledge of ADHD at all levels including parents, schools and relevant professionals.