Practitioner characteristics and the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Aim: To investigate whether recent Australian practice conforms to the draft 2009 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines on the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methods: Data from the 2007 Special Review on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents in New South Wales (NSW) were examined.

Results: Two hundred seven approved stimulant prescribers in NSW responded to a detailed survey on treatment practice (including 121 paediatricians and 67 psychiatrists).

Stimulant medication in pre-school children in New South Wales.

Aims: The aims of this study were: (i) to examine the annual treatment rate of children under 4 years from 1997 to 2006; (ii) to compare their treatment rate and attrition with that of children starting treatment at the modal age; (iii) to describe the clinical characteristics of children aged less than 4 years and their response to stimulant medication for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methods: Retrospective study of electronic prescription and authority records of the New South Wales Department of Health and a review of clinical reports.

Results: The annual treatment initiation rate for children under 4 years showed a progressive decline over the decade.

Comparing overdose mortality associated with methadone and buprenorphine treatment.

Aim: To compare overdose mortality associated with methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence.

Methods: Data linkage study. Since 1 April 2006, the Division of Analytic Laboratories (DAL) has routinely tested all New South Wales (NSW) coronial post-mortem samples for both methadone and buprenorphine.