One in 20 children in Ireland are affected by ADHD, with boys at an increased risk of developing the disorder.
A new study by NUI Maynooth also reveals there's been a 60% increase in the prescription of drugs for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the past six years.
The university's Archway programme is trying to prevent and treat behavioural problems in children without the need for medication.
"For over 40% of children involved in the study, the programme ... brought their behaviour back to a normative level," said Chief Executive Aideen O'Donohue.
"It would seem by the number of prescriptions that we're writing at the moment – which has gone up by over 60% in the last five years – that a lot of children are being offered medication when there may be an alternative for them."
Source: Irish Examiner, 21/11/13
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