National trends in the use of stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective: To document the use of stimulant medication in the diffent states and territories of Australia in 1993 and trends in use of stimulant medication in Western Australia and New South Wales from 1988 to 1993. Methodology: Health authorities in the states and territories of Australia were contacted and requested to provided data on total numbers, patient gender, date of birth, postcode and type of stimulant medication prescribed to estimate the prevalence of use of stimulant medication in Australia. Results: Despite variation in the data obtained from each health authority there is a significant difference in the rates of use of stimulant medication between states and territories in Australia, and a significant increase in use between 1988 and 1993 in Western Australia and New South Wales. Conclusions: These trends should continue to be closely monitored and the possibilty of establishing national prescription guidelines considered.