Australian ADHD: What Exactly Is Going On?
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
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
To find get a FREE special report on ADD/ADHD Medication, visit: Medication Mastery
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July 9th, 2007 at 12:35 am
Hi,
From my perspective the general feeling in Australia is that this is a non existant disorder & those who seek treatment are chasing the Drugs. After being diagnosed with ADHD at 27 (I am 35 now) I needed to go through an extreamly comprehensive approval process involving the Governments Medical Authorityt to be prescribed Dexamphetamine (I now live in Hong Kong & can go to ANY Family Doctor and they will give me a prescription for Concerta) so general perception is dissapointing. The ironic thing in Australia is that due to the incorrect perception the Government is reluctant to bring new extended release medication’s to the market. Essentially the governemnt will continue to push cheaper drugs that need to be dosed 3 times a day (and lets face it kids are kids and sending them to school with an afternoon dose of ADHD medication leaves the door open for these tablets to fall into the hand of other kids) rather than make Concerta available. As I will be returning to Australia soon I hope to see a change in attitude here and common sence prevail - as I have had a negative experience with Strattera and have no desire to go back to the multi dose rollercoaster available with the multi dose per day Dexamphetamine I will probably continue to purchase my medication from Hong Kong when on business travel - an expensive & uncontroled alternative….