Ritalin prescriptions treble over past five years

Ritalin is used to to treat people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD as its more commonly known.

In 2007/08 436 prescriptions were issued, compared to 1,256 over the past year.

It’s estimated that around 150 children and young people are currently prescribed the drug – equivalent to 0.9 per cent of children under 18 on the Island.

Mr Anderson said the reasons for the increase were because of a greater understanding of the condition, improved methods of detection and more research.