Manitoba developing comprehensive approach to ADHD.

Manitoba has a new strategy for treating children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced that the province is allocating more than $738,000 in annual funding to develop a comprehensive, multidisciplinary provincial program to help children living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and their families and schools dealing with the issue.

"Research tells us that children living with ADHD are more likely to have problems relating to their families, they're less likely to succeed in school and, most concerning, they're more likely to become involved in youth crime and abuse substances," Irvin-Ross said. "This new strategy is designed to address these issues by focusing on early intervention to reach children between the ages of five and 17 where we can most make a difference."

"This new strategy builds on the existing strengths of the region's child and adolescent mental-health team," said Jan Currie, vice-president and chief nursing officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. "The multidisciplinary program will provide a range of interventions and services including assessment, consultations with mental-health professionals, treatment and family interventions."

The program will also provide information for parenting groups and educators, and support to physicians on best practices for drug treatments and intervention strategies.