Long-acting stimulant Concerta® added to PBS for children diagnosed with ADHD

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is still a focus of much public interest and debate. This should not be surprising however, considering that between 3 and 5% of primary school aged children suffer from the condition.1

The DSM-IV criteria for ADHD include displaying six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity over a period of six months, which is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.

These symptoms must lead to some form of impairment in two or more settings, and there must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.³

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Concerta®) is a long-acting stimulant medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in children, producing statistically significantly differences in behaviour and performance among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.⁴

Unlike the effects of some other stimulant medications such as short acting Ritalin®, which only last around 3-4 hours, Concerta® is designed to have a 12-hour duration of effect.² The advantage of this is that rather than children having to take medication during school hours, the medication can be given prior to the start of the school day and will remain effective throughout.

The recent addition to the PBS of Concerta® makes it available for the "Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a child or adolescent aged between 6 to 18 years inclusive, who has demonstrated a response to immediate release methylphenidate hydrochloride with no emergence of serious adverse events, and who requires continuous coverage over 12 hours".²

This addition means greater convenience to parents, teachers and children as it can be available at a far lower cost than previously. While a private prescription would formerly have cost between $100-$150, the cost now will be that for all PBS listed medications of only $30.90, and down to $5 for Health Care Card holders.²

This will make the benefits of Concerta much more easily available to those families whose children are suffering from the effects of ADHD.

References:

1. Biederman J, Newcorn J and Sprich S. Comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with conduct, depressive, anxiety, and other disorders. American Jounal of Psychiatry. 1991; 148: 564-77.
2. Janssen-Cilag. ‘Concerta (Methylphenidate hydrochloride)’ [online], MIMS Online, Available at: http://www.mims.com.au (last accessed: 15/4/2007)
3. Sadock BJ and Sadock VA. Pocket Handbook of Clinical Psychiatry. 2005, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: New York.
4. Swanson JM, Wigal SB, Wigal T, et al. A comparison of once-daily extended-release methylphenidate formulations in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the laboratory school (the Comacs Study). Pediatrics. 2004; 113(3 Pt 1): e206-16.