Ritalin - ADD - ADHD
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Facts
The United States uses five times more Ritalin than the rest of the world.
The United Nations' International Narcotics Control Board has twice voiced concerns about America's growing dependence on Ritalin.
According to a DEA report, in some U.S. schools a staggering 20% of students are medicated.
A study published in Science (Sept1997) found no conclusive evidence of the long-term benefits of stimulants in treating ADD. Drug companies do not know how stimulants work and warn against their long-term use.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health, 80% of those who were medicated as children will need to continue medicating as teenages and 50% as adults.
Ritalin and other stimulant medcations have serious side effects and are habit-forming. Among the side effects are nausea, insomnia, slowed growth, reduced appetite, and depression. It is not uncommon for a child to be on Ritalin and an antidepressant at the same time.
Only about 70% of ADHD children tolerate Ritalin; others become ill.
The DEA warns that Ritalin and Cocaine share virtually the same properties!
Narrowing the Diagnosis
Add (inattentive)
1. Difficulty organizing tasks, can't get started
2. Mental restlessness, constant brain chatter
3. Easily distracted, attention easily diverted
4. Difficulty completing tasks
5. Shifts from one task to another
6. Difficulty sustaining attention, can't focus
7. Constantly loses possessions
8. Forgets easily, can't remember "to do's"
9. Trouble keeping track of events or sequences
ADHD (hyperactive impulsive)
1. Talks too much
2. Difficulty doing tasks alone
3. Engages in physically daring activities
4. Always on the go as if driven by a motor
5. Impulsive
6. Often interrupts others
7. Impatient
8. Unpredictable behavior
9. Hot and explosive temper
10. Physically restless, finger tapping, leg bouncing
