1 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

children may lose weight, have less appetite, and temporarily grow more slowly. Others may have problems falling asleep. Some doctors believe that stimulants may also make the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome worse, although recent research suggests this may not be true. Other doctors say if they carefully watch the child's height, weight, and overall development, the benefits of medication far outweigh the potential side effects. Side effects that do occur can often be handled by reducing the dosage.

Another debate is whether Ritalin and other stimulant drugs are prescribed unnecessarily for too many children. Remember that many things, including anxiety, depression, allergies, seizures, or problems with the home or school environment can make children seem overactive, impulsive, or inattentive. Critics argue that many children who do not have a true attention disorder are medicated as a way to control their disruptive behaviors.[i]

This last paragraph is perhaps the most troubling. How can anyone truly diagnose a disorder that could be caused by so many unrelated things? It seems to me that a diagnosis of ADHD would be almost impossible considering all of the factors involved. If your child had allergies or anxiety, you may be putting them on drugs for no reason. However, according to NIMH it would still be ok, seeing as how stimulants are good for anyone, just better for those with ADHD.

According to Dr. Peter R. Breggin, M.D., in testimony before Congress:

Advocates of ADHD and stimulant drugs have claimed that ADHD is associated with changes in the brain. In fact, both the NIH Consensus Development Conference (1998) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) report on ADHD have confirmed that there is no known biological basis for ADHD. Any brain abnormalities in these children are almost certainly caused by prior exposure to psychiatric medication.[ii]

It is also important to understand how the medication works. Have no doubt that Ritalin, and other forms of drugs used to control ADHD, is a stimulant. It is no different in most ways than amphetamines or cocaine. Unfortunately, it alters the mind of a so-called "hyperactive" child and suppresses normal behaviors. It effectively overloads their brain. Dr. Breggin puts it best in the following quote:

Hundreds of animal studies and human clinical trials leave no doubt about how the medication works.
First, the drugs suppress all spontaneous behavior. In healthy chimpanzees and other animals, this can be measured

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The pros and cons of medicating children with ADD or ADHD?
We want to hear your view. Write now!