Since November 2009, the NHMRC website has provided access to the Draft Australian Guidelines on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (the Draft Guidelines) prepared by the Royal Australian College of Physicians, along with links to other useful information. These resources assist parents and medical professionals to recognise and appropriately treat ADHD, taking a holistic approach to treatment..
The Draft Guidelines are not approved by NHMRC due to conflict of interest sanctions against a key researcher whose work is heavily cited throughout the Draft Guidelines. NHMRC is aware that the Massachusetts General Hospital issued a statement about the outcome of the conflict of interest investigation on 2 July 2011. However, these findings do not address the integrity of the conflicted author’s research thus the status of the Draft Guidelines is unresolved.
As an interim measure, until the status of the Draft Guidelines is determined, NHMRC is developing Clinical Practice Points (CPPs) on the diagnosis, assessment and management of ADHD in children and adolescents.
More information on the draft Clinical Practice Points (CPPs) for ADHD.
The draft Clinical Practice Points are currently undergoing public consultation and individuals and organisations are invited to review and comment on the draft. Visit the NHMRC Public Consultation website to view more information and make a submision.
Status of the 2009 Draft Guidelines
NHMRC will continue to provide access to the 2009 Draft Guidelines until their future status is determined.
- NHMRC statement: NHMRC consideration of RACP's draft ADHD guielines deferred pending outcome of USA investigation
- Media release: Draft ADHD Guidelines released (30 Nov 09)
- Background on the ADHD Guidelines
Additional information on the treatment of ADHD
In order to assist health practitioners and the public with information on ADHD, we have established this portal containing useful information and links from a number of respected national and international bodies. This information includes the latest draft RACP Australian Guidelines on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (although these are not approved by NHMRC).
For health care professionals
Detailed information for health practitioners on four ADHD medications approved for use in Australia, including PBS authority requirements, dosing issues, safety issues and patient information.
This three page position statement on ADHD from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists includes a definition of ADHD and recommendations for diagnosis and treatments. Information provided is equally valuable for health practitioners and consumers.
The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ADHD guideline provides valuable information and advice for health practitioners and consumers on the care, treatment and support that children, young people and adults with ADHD should be offered and how families and carers can support people with ADHD. It does not specifically look at treatment of children younger than 3 years. Information is aimed at health practitioners and consumers.
For consumers
If you have ADHD, or are a family member or friend seeking individual advice, please refer to your general practitioner or specialist. Support groups may offer assistance for some people and information regarding the use of particular medications is available via the links below.
This tool helps consumers find all available consumer medicines information about prescription and pharmacist-only medicines. The information is presented in a leaflet and includes a description of the product and headings such as how to take your medicines and side effects.
Medicines talk is a free quarterly newsletter written for consumers by consumers. It provides reliable and accurate information and useful hints for managing medicines.
Medicines update is designed to inform consumers about new medicines and new PBS listings. Each issue provides an independent assessment of current information and research about a different medicine.