Characterisation and evaluation of UK websites on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVES: To identify, characterise and evaluate UK websites providing information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its pharmacological management. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of websites identified by entering "ADHD" into five search engines. DATA SOURCE: 48 websites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each website was scored against 26 criteria using a bespoke instrument to evaluate (a) quality of information on the disorder and its drug treatment and (b) physical characteristics of the site. RESULTS: Most sites (n = 22) were hosted by charities and support groups, 12 were by commercial organisations, nine were from government or professional bodies, and five were categorised as miscellaneous. Mean total scores per host category ranged from 18.8 to 21 out of 46, with mean (SD) scores of 5.5 (4.2) out of 28 for content and 14.8 (3.0) out of 18 for physical properties. The government/professional sites scored highest for both content and physical properties. Descriptions of the disorder and its drug treatment were poor and lacking in detail. Although most sites mentioned stimulants, only eight discussed atomoxetine and described how both types of drug worked. Ten sites provided detailed information about side effects. The role of different stimulant brands and formulations was discussed on six sites. Authorship details were generally vague. Physical properties related to navigation and layout performed well. Only four sites used language deemed suitable for consumer-orientated health information. CONCLUSIONS: Information on UK websites about drug treatment for ADHD is basic and incomplete. Websites by government and professional bodies perform better than those in other categories.

Speed freaks? A literature review detailing the nature and prevalence of dance drugs and driving.

Considerable interest has lately been expressed in motor car driving whilst under the influence of drugs. Unlike depressant drugs (e.g. alcohol) dance drugs are often perceived to enhance driving skills. The physical effects and the current lack of police roadside testing are possible contributing reasons for dance drug driving. This paper aims to show through a literature review on the subject, the demographics of those involved in dance drug driving and the extent to which certain dance drugs are implicated in drug driving incidents. Drug driving is found to be highest amongst the 18-35 year age group and more prevalent amongst adult males. Prevalence figures for driving under the influence of individual drugs are also given. The numbers of people involved in accidents/fatalities and testing positive for amphetamine, cocaine and other dance drugs is small. Although self-reporting especially of illegal activities is difficult to accurately evaluate, most of the reported studies use actual blood/urine samples and so can be considered accurate. The literature does not highlight any real concerns regarding dance drug driving in terms of prevalence although it does highlight the paucity of research in this area, in particular 'Culture E and driving'.

A study of ketoprofen (Orudis) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis.

Ketoprofen (Orudis) in doses of 100-200 mg daily was given to 11 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 14 patients with osteoarthritis. Relief of pain and reduction of inflammation was 50% or more when the drug was given in appropriate doses. The degree of response in degenerative joint disease was better than that in the inflammatory arthritis. Gastrointestinal tolerance of the drug was good and only minor side effects were observed in less than 25% of the patients. The drug was discontinued in only one patient because of side effects.