We do not collect that information centrally. Data are, however, available on the number of prescriptions for central nervous system stimulants and drugs used for attention deficit hyperactive disorder including methylphenidate (Ritalin) dispensed to children under 16 years and those aged 16 to 18 years in full-time education.
The following table gives numbers of prescriptions by age.
Financial year Items under 16 Items 16 to 18 in full-time education 1996-97 48,264 2,058 1997-98 86,247 3,388 1998-99 112,294 4,596 1999-2000 144,894 7,698 2000-01 171,244 7,873 2001-02 200,202 9,225 2002-03 247,115 11,935 2003-04 289,009 17,218 2004-05 338,909 24,906 2005-06 379,334 31,694 2006-07 454,797 40,339