Health Watchdog in Ritalin Alert

Ritalin, the controversial drug used to calm down hyperactive children, should be avoided wherever possible and not given at all to the under-fives, according to new health guidelines.

Instead, parents should be taught psychological techniques for changing the behaviour of unruly children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), said experts.

Teachers trained in ADHD management were also urged to put their skills into practice in the classroom.

Methylphenidate, better known as the stimulant Ritalin, and other drugs should be reserved for severe cases only after other options have failed, health professionals were told.

The guidelines were issued by the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health.

They aim to provide a blueprint of best practice for identifying and treating children with ADHD and combat excess use of drugs.

Up to three per cent of school-age children and young people are affected by the disorder.

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