Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Australia​

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The numbers are big and growing fast - ADHD is Australia’s most frequently medicated childhood psychiatric disorder, and adult medication use is rising at an extraordinary rate. In the 2015-16 financial year ADHD drugs were dispensed to 145,501 Australians (91,392 aged 0-17 years and 54,109 aged 18+). By 2024-25, this figure had grown more than five-fold to 760,622 (345,495 aged 0-17 years and 415,127 aged 18+).

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The evidence supporting current diagnosis and prescribing practices is worse than weak - In October 2022, the NHMRC endorsed the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD developed by an organisation with financial ties to drug manufacturers. The claim that the Guideline is ‘evidence based’ is grossly misleading. Only three, of the Guidelines 113 recommendations relating to diagnosis and treatment, are supported by moderately robust evidence.

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The lack of evidence supporting the Guideline is emblematic of the dishonest hype promoting ADHD. Although it is routinely described as a neurodevelopmental (i.e. brain) disorder, there are no objective diagnostic tests. Rather, the diagnosis is based on reports of children often exhibiting impulsive and/or inattentive behaviours (fidgeting, losing toys, disliking homework etc.).

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Non-medical explanations of ADHD - Many factors that have nothing to do with biology have been shown to increase the risk of ADHD diagnosis and medication use. For example, the youngest children in a classroom, are much more likely to be diagnosed and medicated than their older classmates.

 

Amphetamines the first line treatment - The most commonly used ADHD medications are Amphetamine Type Stimulants that have similar effects and risks as illicit amphetamines. Indeed, methamphetamine (brand Desoxyn) is prescribed for ADHD in the USA.

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When taken in low doses stimulants temporarily sharpen focus in most people irrespective of their ADHD status. Prescribed stimulants are frequently used illicitly for recreational or lifestyle purposes (e.g. binge drinking or managing sleep deprivation).

Stimulants, and less commonly used ADHD drugs (e.g. Strattera), have a range of potential adverse effects, including suicidality. Although there is little research into their long-term impact, troubling evidence indicates that their sustained use is associated with worsening academic performance and other serious adverse outcomes. (Read more here)

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In the following pages we cut through the hype and outline the facts about ADHD.

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The ADHD Controversy - Summarises conflicting views on the diagnosis, treatment, long-term prognosis and relationship between ADHD and drug use.

Diagnosing ADHD - Details the diagnostic criteria of ADHD and how ADHD is and isn't diagnosed.

ADHD Drugs - Details the short and long term effects of the 'medications' most often used to treat ADHD. 

What causes ADHD? - Outlines and evaluates the various hypothesis on what causes ADHD type behaviours.

ADHD and Drug Abuse - Explores conflicting views on the relationship between ADHD and Drug Abuse (i.e. undiagnosed ADHD causes drug abuse versus ADHD medications are addictive and are frequently abused).

ADHD non-drug treatments - Discusses some on the non-pharmacological treatments of ADHD.

ADHD and Genetics - Evaluates the evidence for the assertion that ADHD is a genetically predetermined disorder.

History of ADHD - Traces the growth of ADHD including the broadening of the diagnostic criteria over time.

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