http://www.students.stedwards.edu/~sgottne/summ5.htm
Over Diagnosis of ADHD, Overuse of Ritalin, and its Causes
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Over the past several years, there has been extensive discussion concerning the
over diagnosis of ADHD and the prescribing of Ritalin or other
anti-depressants. Many issues and causes have been discussed including the
changing of the biochemistry of the brain. Many researchers and doctors have
suggested that ADHD/ADD can simply be treated by supplementing children with
multi-vitamins. Other concerns have been the food we feed our children, which
have an overabundance of processed chemicals, artificial sugar, and artificial
ingredients.
Ritalin is equal to that of cocaine or amphetamines, however, Ritalin is more
potent and lasts longer (Gerson 1). Ritalin can cause permanent damage to the
child's brain and function. Many side effects include weight gain, stunting
growth, sleeplessness, moodiness, and depression. It has been reported that
some children on Ritalin have reported feelings of suicide. Several of the
teenagers who have participated in school shootings were on Ritalin or
anti-depressants or both including one of the killers at Columbine High School
(Gerson 2). In fact, children who have been on Ritalin for long periods are
being rejected from all branches of military since Ritalin is a mind-altering
drug.
Still there is not complete research as to what causes ADHD. There are many
theories and ideas. However, the increase of its diagnosis also can be
contributed to parents and teachers being more educated on the subject. Others
see the increase in the diagnosis of attention deficit disorders may have a
direct link to technology and the increased use of computer games. Computer
games require a longer attention at a faster rate. These children may have a
difficulty in maintaining their attention span in a classroom setting because
it is at a slower pace and they become bored. Many teachers see this as an
attention problem. One researcher indicated that it "may be essential to have
limited exposure to computers and computer games in the home and in the school
until after the third grade" (Monroe).
In addition, with an increase in "outcome-based educational systems"
nationwide, it is interesting to also see it being linked to the rise in
diagnosis of ADHD. Because of minimum standards children must meet, teachers do
not have the time to deal with children that are inattentive and disruptive.
This leads to teachers who are eager to suggest that inattentive children show
signs of ADHD and should be prescribed Ritalin to improve a child's
performance. In an effort not to medicate their children, some parents are
searching out schools that tailor to children with attention problems. These
programs or schools may not have to meet specific standards of educational
measurement.
Obviously, if your child is diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, definitely one must
consider all available options before choosing to medicate them with Ritalin or
any other anti-depressants. It is worthwhile to attempt other holistic
approaches first.
Bibliography
Gerson, Charlotte. "Overuse and Dangers for Hyperactive Children." Gerson
Healing Newsletter Vol. 15, No. 3, May-June 2000. 14 April 2001
http://www.Gerson.org/healing/articles/nl_ritalin.htm
Livingston, Ken. "Ritalin: Miracle Drug or Cop-Out?" PBS.org - The Public
Interest, No. 127 (Spring 1997), pp. 3-18. 14 April 2001
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/readings/publicin
terest.html
Monroe, Dana. "Instant Gratification and Overuse of Technology May Be Linked to
Attention Disorders" College of Education and Educational Technology,
Technology in the Curriculum, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 11 November
2000. 14 April 2001 http://www.coe.iup.edu/c&I-iup/740/Entries/Dana-5.htm