Australian ADHD: What Exactly Is Going On?
Friday, June 29th, 2007
I was surprised today to read online about the evolving ‘controversy’ about ADD/ADHD in Australia.
There was an article in the Daily Telegraph, which can be read here.
It seems that a committee has been set up to review the funding of ADHD medications by the government. However, because of the ‘ADHD Controversy’, the public and the press (and the oppoisition parties) are demanding to know the identities of the doctors involved to help to prevent a ‘conflict of interest’. The government has refused to release the identities of these doctors, because they were threatening to quit over it.
I am upset to hear that it is in this situation right now. It seems that the misinformation and stigma against ADHD has reached the level of the media and opposition parties.
But, I must admit - that I don’t really have a good sense of what is truly going on.
Is this debate affecting people’s ability to see the doctor that they need to see and to get the help that they need?
Are there any readers of this blog from Australia who can help to shed some light on this situation?
Is there anything that those of us from ‘overseas’ can do to help the situation?
Please add any comments below to share your opinions or views.
Thanks,
Dr. Kenny




