Solving the Ritalin Riddle

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Recommended: Reducing mental health stigma

Sadly, 75 out of 100 children who visit a psychiatrist's office for the very first time, leave with at least one prescription for ADD or ADHD. Kirk Martin, Founder of educational foundation Celebrate! ADHD, states “We must change everything else-our attitudes and expectations, diet and nutrition, the way we reach and teach kids-before we change our children through medication.” Parents of children whose behavior is regarded as difficult or out of control are encouraged to believe their child has a "disease". For many parents, it is more socially acceptable to give your child's behavior a diagnosis rather than simply admitting their child behaves badly and along with the diagnosis, comes the offer for treatment. Many children with this diagnosis are being medicated unnecessarily. Medication should not be the first choice of treatment for an unscientific disorder. There are no biological tests for these disorders nor is there a blood test which can confirm the diagnosis. With only the best intentions and the trust of their physicians, many parents comply with the medications in an effort to enhance their child's ability to learn and socialize appropriately with their peers. If parents were given the important information regarding medications such as Ritalin for the treatment, the quick decision to medicate a child would likely decrease significantly.

Many of the facts regarding Ritalin are withheld before prescribing this medication to children as young as three years of age. It is a violation of parent's right when they are not given the appropriate information to make an educated decision. It is also a violation when parents are not informed of possible alternatives to their child's behaviors such as food allergies...

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...bo-Controlled Evaluation of Ritalin Side Effects. Pediatrics. 9 (6): 1101-1106.

Akerman, P.T., Dykman, R.A. and Peters, J.E. (1977). Teenage Status of Hyperactive and Non-hyperactive Learning Disabled Boys. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 47: 577-596.

Aman, M.G. and Werry, J.S. (1975). Methylphenidate in Children: Effects Upon Cardiorespiratory Function on Exertion. Int J Ment Health. 4: 119-131.

http://www.methylphenidate.net/

http://www.celebrate-adhd.com/ADHD-Books.html

http://www.halexandria.org/dward057.htm

http://www.ritalindeath.com/

http://www.add-adhd.org/ritalin_CHADD_A.D.D.html

http://www.campaignfortruth.com/Eclub/250303/wonderdrugmisused.htm

http://www.therapistlocator.net/families/Consumer_Updates/ChildrenofAlcoholics.asp

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/angry_child.shtml

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