Medication and Mental Health

Self esteem should start at home and anything can cause self esteem problems, i dont give a hoot ifyou medicate your child, not my decision i was merely stating a fact. Also you talked about social skills, i believe and this is only my opinion, that a parent usually sometimes indirectly teaches good and bad social skills and the child grows on that. Take this however it may effect you, but a child is taught.
My comment in the first place was only about sorry ass comparisons on whether to med for adhd verses for major medical circumstances. People try so hard to throw these comparison in post and conversations as to justify why some decisions are made.
If people would just say they made the decision because they felt the decision was necessary, instead of saying you would give insulin to a diabetic child or meds to prevent a heart attack.
Sorry you felt that you misinterpreted my intentions but simply do us all favors and back your decisions and stop making excuses for them, you might get more respect.

thank you, adolf!!!
Atleast someone understood what i was saying.
Take care
Concerned

Self esteem and social skills do begin at home - so what? Are you assuming I don’t know that or I don’t raise my kids accordingly? It certainly sounds that way yet you are in no position to cast judgement on anybody much less someone you don’t even know.

I make NO apology or explanations to ANYONE regarding my informed objective decisions regarding raising MY children. I don’t believe I gave you “excuses” for whatever you believe my decision(s) are - I spoke in generalities about ADHD.

According to the entire medical and health insurance communities, ADHD is a medical condition. Do you define medical conditions as those that are acute only, like heart attacks? With that line of thinking, no one would treat bronchitis until it turned into pneumonia.

Respect? I was looking for respect from you? Funny, I don’t recall doing that. What a leap…….

Regarding your “bad parenting causes ADHD” theory, please take the time to educate yourself about ADHD. Bad parenting can exacerbate ADHD symptoms in kids, but it certainly doesn’t cause it. What a tired, old and completely inaccurate myth.

“Self esteem should start at home and anything can cause self esteem problems, i dont give a hoot ifyou medicate your child, not my decision i was merely stating a fact. Also you talked about social skills, i believe and this is only my opinion, that a parent usually sometimes indirectly teaches good and bad social skills and the child grows on that. Take this however it may effect you, but a child is taught.
My comment in the first place was only about sorry ass comparisons on whether to med for adhd verses for major medical circumstances. People try so hard to throw these comparison in post and conversations as to justify why some decisions are made.
If people would just say they made the decision because they felt the decision was necessary, instead of saying you would give insulin to a diabetic child or meds to prevent a heart attack.
Sorry you felt that you misinterpreted my intentions but simply do us all favors and back your decisions and stop making excuses for them, you might get more respect.”

D,
you are completely irrational about the situation.
my last post wasnt directed to you, but in general.
you have issues of your own you must deal with.
i must have hit a nerve.
No you sure didnt ask for my respect, wasnt sure why you should have had to, but…..
And by far am i saying anything about your parenting skills, are you?
just for the record, i will post more and more and when i do, maybe you should realize unless your name is in the heading like this one, then im not talking directly to you.
DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The difference is key words like objective tests and subjective tests: Please read….
In 1948, ‘neuropsychiatry’ was divided into ‘neurology,’ dealing with organic/physical diseases of the brain, and ‘psychiatry,’ dealing with emotional/behavioral conditions in normal human beings [1]. There was no such thing as a psychiatric ‘disease’ then, and there is no such thing today!
The 1950s were the dawn of the ‘age of psychopharmacology’—drugs for emotional/behavioral problems in physically, normal persons.
Between 1952 and 1994, the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) grew from 112 ‘disorders’/ ‘diseases’ in 1952 [2], to163 in 1968 [3], 224 in the 1980 [4], 253 in 1987 [5], and 374 in the 1994 [6].
The ADHD, ‘epidemic’ (by whatever name) has grown from 150,000 in 1970, to a half million in 1985, a million in 1990, and to 6 million today—12-13% of the nation’s schoolchildren.
In the 60’s, psychiatry and pharmaceutical industry launched a psychopharmacology marketing strategy. They would call all emotional/behavioral problems “brain diseases.” Thus, the public came to believe in “chemical balancers”—pills—for “chemical imbalances” (of the brain). Moreover, they have ceased to understand what “normal” is.
On October 12, 1970, Congressman, Cornelius Gallagher [7] wrote to Secretary of the Department of Health Education and Welfare, Elliott Richardson, stating, “… a NIMH witness testified that at least one hundred fifty thousand children around the nation were receiving drugs.” “I have received letters from people….highly critical of the focus of the medical side of minimal brain dysfunction, which is, incidentally, one of at least thirty-eight names attached to this condition…Such a high incidence in the population- as high as thirty percent in ghetto areas…may not be pathological at all…Amphetamines now rival and perhaps exceed hard drugs as a source of abuse, I recommend studies focusing on other medication to control the behavior of hyperactive children.”
In 1980, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) was invented, in-committee, for DSM-III [4].
In 1987, ADD was revised, becoming ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) for DSM-III-R [5]. Any 8 behaviors from a list of 14, qualifies a child for the ‘diagnosis.’
In 1994, ADHD is again ‘re-conceptualized’, this time for DSM-IV [6]. Six of the nine behaviors from one of two lists qualifies for the ‘inattentive,’ the ‘hyperactive-impulsive’ or the ‘combined’ type.
On July 15, 1996, Congressman Christopher Shays [7] testified: “In ADHD, we are trying to draw the line between personality and pathology, and we are placing millions of children and adults on either side of the social, medical and legal boundary that divides the healthy from the sick. We should do so only with the greatest care, and with particular reticence to make our children medical patients because as a culture we have lost our patience with them.”
At the same hearing, Jensen [8], of the NIMH and CHADD (he is a member of their Professional Advisory Board), assured the Congressman: “…studies have consistently pointed towards disturbances in brain functioning, particularly in brain areas responsible for attention and memory.”
Jensen used the wording: “pointed toward disturbances in brain functioning” because there was no proof of brain malfunction at the time. Just as there is none today.
On September 23, 1993, Baughman [9], testified to the Panel on NIH Research on Antisocial, Aggressive, and Violence-Related Behaviors and their Consequences: “If, as I am convinced, these entities are not diseases, it would be unethical to initiate research to evaluate biological interventions—unethical and fatally flawed scientifically.
In December, 1994, Pearlman [10], wrote: “I take issue with Pincus’(for the APA) assertion that elimination of the term “organic” in the DSM-IV has served a useful purpose for psychiatry… elimination of the term “organic” conveys the impression that psychiatry wishes to conceal the nonorganic character of many behavioral problems that were, in previous DSM publications, clearly differentiated from known central nervous system diseases.”
Baughman [11], also responding to Pincus’ APA assertion, wrote: “…to contend that something is a disease when that has not been established is to fail to provide the patient with information sufficient to make an informed decision.”

On December 24, 1994, Leber [12] of the FDA wrote me: “…as yet no distinctive pathophysiology for the disorder has been delineated.”
On October 25, 1995, Haislip [13] of the DEA wrote me: “We are also unaware that ADHD has been validated as a biologic/organic syndrome or disease.”
In 1996, Schiller, of the US Department of Education, Jensen (NIMH, CHADD), and Swanson (UC, Irvine, CHADD) [14], wrote, “Once parents and teachers…recognize that children with ADD are not lazy or “bad”, but have a biological disorder, they can stop blaming themselves or their children and take appropriate steps to prevent a pattern of failure.”
There can be no doubt here, that they are calling ADD/ADHD a disease; the children abnormal, diseased.
On April 15, 1998, I [15] wrote to Attorney General, Janet Reno, stating: “The single, biggest heath care fraud in US history—the representation of ADHD to be an actual disease, and the drugging of millions of entirely normal American children, as “treatment,” is spreading like a plague…That ADHD is wholly devoid of validity as a disease, a medical syndrome or, anything biologic or organic, is the pivotal element of the fraud.” No answer!
On October 8, 1998, Diller [16], author of Running on Ritalin wrote to Sue Parry, a concerned mother: “The reason why you have been unable to obtain any articles or studies presenting clear and confirming evidence of a physical or chemical abnormality associated with ADHD is that there are none. Not that medical science, especially in recent years, hasn’t tried. However the search for a biological marker is doomed from the outset because of the contradictions and ambiguities of the diagnostic construct of ADHD as defined by the DSM. I liken efforts to discover a marker to the search for the Holy Grail.”
On March 7, 1998, Swanson [17], of the University of California, Irvine and CHADD (a member of their Professional Advisory Board) stated: “I would like to have an objective diagnosis for the disorder (ADHD). Right now psychiatric diagnosis is completely subjective…”
On May, 13, 1998, Castellanos [18] or the NIMH wrote me: “… we have not yet met the burden of demonstrating the specific pathophysiology that we believe underlies this condition.”
Opening the November, 1998, NIH, Consensus Conference on ADHD, Hyman [19], Director of the NIMH stated: “ADHD affects from 0-3% in some school districts up to 40% in others. Surely this cannot be right.”
Addressing the Consensus Conference, Carey [20] concluded: “What is now most often described as ADHD in the United States appears to be a set of normal behavioral variations…”
Critiquing the report of the Consensus Conference Panel, Degrandpre [21] observed,
“… it appears that you define disease as a maladaptive cluster of characteristics…in the history of science and medicine, this would not be a valid definition of disease.”
Having failed to validate ADHD as a disease, they seek to change the definition.
Baughman [22] testified at the Consensus Conference: “Without an iota of proof or credible science, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has proclaimed the … children “brain-diseased,” “abnormal.” CHADD, funded by Ciba-Geigy, manufacturer of Ritalin, has spread the “neuro-biological” lie. The US Department of Education, absolving itself of controlling the children and rendering them literate, coerces the labeling and drugging…ADHD is a total, 100% fraud.”
My appearance was expunged from the government videotape of the conference.
NPR’s Joe Palca [23], chided the Panel: “”What you’re telling us is that ADHD is like the Supreme Court’s definition of pornography, ‘You know it when you see it.’”
The final statement of the Consensus Conference Panel [24], delivered to attendees, and the press, November 18, 1998, read: ” …we do not have an independent, valid test for ADHD, and there are no data to indicate that ADHD is due to a brain malfunction.”
An indefinite period following the November 18, “final statement,” of the Consensus Conference Panel, the NIH [25], published yet another “final statement” reading: “although an independent diagnostic test for ADHD does not exist, there is evidence supporting the validity of the disorder.”
On April 29, 1999, Baughman [26] responded to Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association [27]: “Once children are labeled with ADHD, they are no longer treated as normal. Once Ritalin or any psychotropic drug courses through their brain and body, they are, for the first time, physically, neurologically and biologically, abnormal.”
On November 28, 1999, I wrote to Matthew D. Cohen, Esq. [28] President of CHADD, stating: “You and I know that whether or not ADHD is an actual disease with a confirmatory, physical or chemical abnormality, (detectable, patient-by-patient) is more fundamental to the debate now raging over the Colorado State Board of Education’s resolution, than whether or not psychotropic drugs cause violence or, are addictive, dangerous and deadly. You at CHADD, including all members of your Professional Advisory Board, are aware that actual, bona fide diseases, are characterized and validated by a confirmatory, physical or chemical abnormality. You are aware of this, even if the general public is not, and is inclined to trust and believe anything physicians tell them. Thus the widespread belief, by the public, in ADHD as a disease, something “neurobiologic”, when there is no research-empirical proof. This brings me to ADHD and to your letter to Mr. Clair Orr, Chairman of the Colorado State Board of Education, of 11/2/99. You state: ‘Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a severe neurobiological condition…’ The term “neurobiologic condition” says to the public that there is something wrong or abnormal with the brain or nervous system of the child/person with ADHD. How can CHADD make such a statement to the public, and now, to the Colorado State Board of Education, when there is no objective evidence or proof anywhere in the peer-reviewed literature, that there is any neurological (brain) abnormality in children (persons) said to have ADHD, or that there is anything physically, chemically, or biologically abnormal, at all. How does CHADD justify calling so many normal children diseased, abnormal—for surely you do—for purposes of justifying prescriptions for them, mostly of addictive, controlled, Schedule II, psychostimulant medications?”
I have never heard back from Mr. Cohen. However CHADD repeated its claim, still with no scientific evidence with which to back it up, that ‘Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a severe neurobiological condition…’ in testimony to the Arkansas State House of Representatives, May, 3, 2000.
On December 13, 1999, Surgeon General, David Satcher released his Report on Mental Health. In it he alleged: “Mental illness is no different than diabetes, asthma or other physical ailments…Mental illnesses are physical illnesses…We know the chemical disorders we are treating…”
In a letter of January 25, 2000, I [29] responded: “Having gone to medical school and studied…disease, then, diagnosis, you and I, and all physicians, know that the presence of any bona fide disease, like diabetes, cancer, or epilepsy is confirmed by an objective finding—a physical or chemical abnormality. No demonstrable physical or chemical abnormality: no disease! You also know, I am sure, that there is no physical or chemical abnormality to be found, in life, or at autopsy in “depression, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses…” Why, then, are you telling the American people that “mental illnesses” are “physical” and that they are due to “chemical disorders”?…Your role in this deception and victimization is clear. Whether you are a physician, so unscientific, that you cannot read their contrived, “neurobiologic” literature and see the fraud, or whether you see it and choose to be an accomplice—you should resign.”
In January, 2000 Castellanos [30], summarized the state of ADHD science: “Incontrovertible evidence is still lacking…In time I’m confident we’ll confirm the case for organic causes.”
On May 1, 2000, the law firm of Waters and Kraus [31] of Dallas, Texas filed the first class action suit charging that the APA, CHADD and Novartis: ” planned, conspired, and colluded to create, develop, promote and confirm the diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, in a highly successful effort to increase the market for its product Ritalin.”
As of September, 2000, five or six or such class action suits had been filed, 2 in California.
It is impossible to escape the conclusion that ADD/ADHD is a total fraud leading to the medical victimization of millions of previously normal, if troubled, mis-educated, children across the United States.
It is also impossible to escape the conclusion that many departments, offices, and officials, of the federal government, are, knowingly and unknowingly, parties to this fraud and victimization.
(PROJECT TRANSPARENCY)
If you, Ladies and Gentlemen, if want to know whether ADHD, or any psychiatric ‘disease’ is truly a disease or not, all you have to do is pose the following question, just as I did, on September 19, to Doctors Hyman and Castellanos (or any reputable psychiatric researcher, or psychiatric organization), of the NIMH:
Is ADHD (or any psychiatric ‘disease’) a bona fide disease with a confirmatory physical or chemical abnormality demonstrable within the patient? Circle ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
(do not write in this space).
If ‘yes,’ cite the article which constitutes proof of the confirmatory physical or chemical abnormality, entering the following:
the author(s)………………………..
title of the article……………….
journal name…………………….
date…………………………….
volume…………………………
page numbers…………………..

Gimme a break - why don’t you try reading up on legitimate research, calling your child’s doctor with questions or better yet, I can recommend some excellent books on ADHD written by reputable experts. That could surely occupy your time better than posting more “opinion” here.

No, it is not a disease but a disorder.

BTW, every single lawsuit filed to date has been dismissed. The one against the pharm. co. may still be outstanding, but based on the prior class action suits, that will most likely go the same way too. I believe in one of the CA cases, the judge even wanted the plaintiffs pay for wasting the court’s time. I think it was Baughm, possibly Breggin who testified in some of these cases. The judge, a mere layman with regard to ADHD, blew apart the man’s credibility.

I’m not going to respond to posts on this topic anymore. What CCHR propaganda piece was the source for this? It was a lively read but obvious propganda with quotes out of context or even false in some cases. Your misinformed agenda is clear and not worth the time or effort.

Sheesh. Good luck and God bless.

Once again difference in terminology. Dismissed vs settled. BTW, the MANY law suits pending will probably never go to trial because of the new Homeland Security Act. Make sure you have a medical alert card on your child at all times if they are taking medication. There could be problems in the event of an emergency surgery. The treating ERs need to know if they are on medication, if something were to happen with anesthesia you would not be able to hold anyone accountable for thier mistakes. With kids there are always accidents and its better to be safe than sorry.

Once again difference in terminology. Dismissed vs settled. BTW, the MANY law suits pending will probably never go to trial because of the new Homeland Security Act. Make sure you have a medical alert card on your child at all times if they are taking medication. There could be problems in the event of an emergency surgery. The treating ERs need to know if they are on medication, if something were to happen with anesthesia you would not be able to hold anyone accountable for thier mistakes. With kids there are always accidents and its better to be safe than sorry.

No, ADD is not a disease. It’s a disorder. You’re citing a source with some heavy bias. There are more balanced sources available which are worth a read to get a more accurate picture.

Many conditions masquerade as ADD. You see it on this board all the time. People have success treating “ADD” with a diet— the kid probably had a food allergy, a food intolerance, or an unmet nutritional need. People treat “ADD” with vitamins— the kid probably had a vitamin deficiency that was causing a problem. There are a lot of things that can cause hyperactivity or distractibility. Lose a night’s sleep and see how great you feel the next day. What if there was a chronic sleep problem the child was dealing with? You get the drift. These types of things aren’t ADD any more than a sniffle means you have the flu. Some doctors don’t go far enough in their investigation before slapping on an ADD label. No argument there. It is confusing and misleading when these types of things are called ADD instead of what they are.

However there are children with hyperactivity and distractibility that aren’t attributable to these types of things. These kids aren’t making it up just to give their parents a few gray hairs. Not all of these kids suffer with it to the same extent, much as not all near sighted people are equally near sighted. It’s not as easy as popping a pill, as some would have you believe. Medication may, or may not help. There is a lot of work in behavior managment, establishing routines, etc. and even these aren’t magic bullets. Parents, kids, and the school need to work together to help the kids in the ways they need help, and just when you think you have it figured out, it changes because the child has changed.

An open mind is the most valuable research tool you can have.

D,
This is directed to you.
Why dont you stop being such a know it all pain in the ass and
accept that some people dont agree with you, your ridicule is totally ridicullous and selfish on your part.
I must Question your judgements now!!!!!
Simply if you dont want to hear from me stop responding!!!!!!

Another false or incorrect statement. All the ADHD lawsuits (e.g., the “conspiracy theory” civil actions naming CHADD and the pharm. co.’s) were DISMISSED, not settled. HUGE difference. That means thrown out of court - unfounded, without merit, etc.

Oh my D, for once I think we agree on something!!!!
hehehehehe
there is a big difference between DISMISSED and SETTLED. Dont know about the cases themselves but, sure sounds like you are on top of them.
Concerned

PS lmao

Thank you Julie for the most valuable post I have read here yet. I know I don’t get my intention across very well here. But I would have never said it as politely and tactfully as you just did. I think the explosion of medicating would be far less if parents like you did thier homework. There are plenty of kids that with out the medication would have a tough time thru out life no doubt about tha, and there are plenty of kids that are misdiagnosed because they are never exposed to the other options and conditions that are also disorders. The fact that bothers me the most is simply the check list. How could anybody pass that damn checklist? I will end with this…The same questions on the Hawthorne (ADD) checklist as the checklist for Gifted kids. Maybe I am an optimist but for now I will continue to tell my kid he is gifted.

Aww…. Just take some Ritilan your losing focus.

To really know what you’re dealing with, a good diagnosis is essential. The best money we ever spent was on a neuropsych eval, which is a whole battery of tests that take an entire day. His doctor also prescribed an EEG and an MRI to rule out other possible physical reasons for my son’s symptoms. I had no preconceived notion of what the diagnosis would be. That’s why I had the testing done. I hadn’t actually considered ADD even as a remote possiblity because my son was nothing like the ADD stereotypes promoted by the media.

You’re right, a simple home check off list doesn’t tell you much and could be interpreted to mean just about anything. Not knowing what you’re dealing can be a real problem for your child. Denying ADD exists may make you feel better, but it doesn’t help you help your child in school and at home if your child has it. I found that getting a thorough education about my son’s condition and his needs was the best way I could help him.

Acknowledging ADD exists doesn’t mean that you have to medicate. Some children can develop coping strategies through behavior modification that work for them. Some, like my son, have conditions that are too severe to manage without medication. I wish it were otherwise, but it isn’t. He needs medication to be able to focus enough to learn coping strategies that we hope will eventually mean that he won’t need medication. We still look for alternatives to stimulant medication. I’m quite excited to learn about the new drug for ADD coming on the market in January, that isn’t a controlled substance. You can bet I’ll ask his doctor about it.

I can’t believe that any parent would knee jerk medicate based on the results of some home check off list of symptoms, or would drug their kid based on the say so of some Tom, Dick, or Harry that didn’t know anything about anything. No one is that stupid, especially when it comes to the welfare of their child. Have a little faith that there are other parents that are genuinely concerned about their children and take care to get good information so that they can make sound decisions. I hope you will get a proper diagnosis for your child, so that you can have what you need to make some good decisions too, or at least have peace of mind.

Julie, Sounds like you have an excellent doctor. I wish I could find a doc like yours to help my son when I needed one. Did you request the testing or did the doctor recommend them because of the severity of your sons symptoms warrant the additional test? Most doctors do not do that type of testing if it is just ADHD symptons. But, yes, there are a lot of stupid people that never get proper diagnosis and go straight to medication. In GA, you do not have to have a diagnosis to get meds. I don’t know how it is anywhere else. The doctor put my son on clonidine when he was 2. BEFORE he did an EEG. No diagnosis at all. I don’t think I was stupid but very gullable and very trusting to a professional that I didn’t think I should not trust. Why should parents not trust their doctors? I know now that I shouldn’t take everything they say as gospel. When I have asked for tests, I get fired from the doctors office! You would think I had ask for a free office visit. I think it is very common for parents not to go out and get a second oppinion or ask for test to be performed to find underlying conditions.

http://adhdparentssupportgroup.homestead.com/50conditionsmimicingADHD.html

Julie,
When I read your post, I thought to myself god she knows what she is doing and saying. I have never read such a well rounded and repectfull post.
you post made me understand that you did everything possible and got all the facts and decided to med on that. Thank you for posting this one!!!!!
Concerned

I’m sorry to hear that in your experience that parents are too willing to accept whatever a doctor says, that they use medications that they don’t know if they need or exactly what the medicine is, and are afraid to ask for tests. Still just because “everyone here does it” doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea. It could be fatal depending on how bad the advice is. Maybe you can instill a more questioning attititude in the parents living around there through your example.

My experience is with the parents around here, mainly parents of my son’s classmates at church and school. I can’t picture any of them buying a bunch of hogwash just because some doctor says it. I certainly wouldn’t. It’s the parent’s responsibility to be the reality check. That’s why it’s so important to be alert and informed, so that you can be an effective advocate for your child and represent their interests.

My son’s doctor is excellent, and has referred me to specialists that are first rate. He referred me to a neurologist because of the severity and nature of my son’s symptoms. The neurologist did a physical exam and told me that he needed further tests, an EEG, MRI, and a neuropsych eval, to be able to make a diagnosis. Treatment options were not discussed, or even suggested, until after we had a diagnosis.

You can get some testing through your school as well. In fact, an IQ test may have already been done which could answer the gifted question now. If the school tests say ADD, I wouldn’t necessarily accept that you had the whole story. There could be an LD kicking around that wasn’t addressed in their test. I’d have the neuropsych eval done anyway— you should be able to request these directly, but check with your insurance company to see if they require a referral in order to pay for it.

Good luck to you.

I totally disagree in drugging your children to support the Drug Companies in America.

Not only do they drug our children but adults too.

The principal at my son’s school is in agreement with me. He believes that there are other alternatives besides drugs. (Herbal, Support groups, personal praise at home). etc.

My son has gone through 2 other schools and the other 2 schools are both supported by the Drug Companies. I had complete pressure to have my son on drugs. Schools recieve money from the Drug Companies to promote them.

The principal also informed me that in latest studies of Ritalin that when children come off of the drug they experience tics (I believe this is probably when they are on it for a long period of time). I don’t think that there is enough study of this drug and they are using our kids as guinea pigs.

Check out the site gary.null.com under world issues.

I fought with the previous 2 schools that my son was in. I was even threatened if I don’t put my son on drugs.

I am very happy to find this Principal of this school who is in agreement with me. He apparently was a principal of a school with 14 special classes in it with all kinds of problems so he is very well experiences in these issue. Don’t let society pressure you into thinking that drugs are the only way.
GA Mom wrote:
>
> Here’s one I will be posting more……..
> Ritalin Can Cause Cancer
>
> AAP Guidelines for Treating Behavioral Disorders in Children
> with Ritalin Ignores Evidence of Cancer Risks
> By Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., Chairman of the Cancer Prevention
> Coalition
>
> Based on an industry-funded multi-university trial on 282
> pre-teen children treated with Ritalin for attention
> deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), just published in
> Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed
> the use of the drug.
>
> However, the Academy ignores clear evidence of the drug’s
> cancer risks of which parents, teachers and school nurses,
> besides most pediatricians and psychiatrists, still remain
> uninformed and unaware.
>
> Some 40 years after the drug was first marketed by Ciba
> Geigy, carcinogenicity tests were conducted at the taxpayers
> expense by the National Toxicology Program, the results of
> which were published in 1995. Adult mice were fed Ritalin
> over a two-year period at dosages close to those prescribed
> to children.
>
> The mice developed a statistically significant incidence of
> liver abnormalities and tumors, including highly aggressive
> rare cancers known as hepatoblastomas. These findings are
> particularly disturbing as the tests were conducted on adult,
> rather than young mice which would be expected to be much
> more sensitive to carcinogenic effects.
>
> The National Toxicology Program concluded that Ritalin is a
> “possible human carcinogen,” and recommended the need for
> further research. While still insisting that the drug is
> safe, the Food and Drug Administration admitted that these
> findings signal “carcinogenic potential,” and required a
> statement to this effect in the drug’s package insert.
> However, these inserts are not seen by parents or nurses.
>
> The Physicians’ Desk Reference admits evidence on the
> carcinogenicity of Ritalin, now manufactured by Novartis,
> qualified by the statement that “the significance of these
> results is unknown,” apparently not recognizing that this is
> more alarming than reassuring. Apart from cancer risks, there
> is also suggestive evidence that Ritalin induces genetic
> damage in blood cells of Ritalin-treated children.
>
> Concerns on Ritalin’s cancer risk are more acute in view of
> the millions of children treated annually with the drug and
> the escalating incidence of childhood cancer, by some 35%
> over the last few decades, quite apart from delayed risks of
> cancer in adult life. These risks are compounded by the
> availability of alternative safe and effective procedures,
> notably behavior modification and biofeedback.
>
> There is no justification for prescribing Ritalin, even by
> highly qualified pediatricians and psychiatrists, unless
> parents have been explicitly informed of the drug’s cancer
> risks. Otherwise, prescribing Ritalin constitutes unarguable
> medical malpractice.

I totally disagree in drugging your children to support the Drug Companies in America.

Not only do they drug our children but adults too.

The principal at my son’s school is in agreement with me. He believes that there are other alternatives besides drugs. (Herbal, Support groups, personal praise at home). etc.

My son has gone through 2 other schools and the other 2 schools are both supported by the Drug Companies. I had complete pressure to have my son on drugs. Schools recieve money from the Drug Companies to promote them.

The principal also informed me that in latest studies of Ritalin that when children come off of the drug they experience tics (I believe this is probably when they are on it for a long period of time). I don’t think that there is enough study of this drug and they are using our kids as guinea pigs.

Check out the site gary.null.com under world issues.

I fought with the previous 2 schools that my son was in. I was even threatened if I don’t put my son on drugs.

I am very happy to find this Principal of this school who is in agreement with me. He apparently was a principal of a school with 14 special classes in it with all kinds of problems so he is very well experiences in these issue. Don’t let society pressure you into thinking that drugs are the only way.
Donna Burroughs wrote:
>
> Thank you for this new info. My daughters teacher
> thinks she is ADD
> but we are testing other things first.I was so afraid of
> putting her on these other meds. This new info gives me some
> hope. Im happy that this is working out for your son. Good
> luck!

I totally disagree in drugging your children to support the Drug Companies in America.

Not only do they drug our children but adults too.

The principal at my son’s school is in agreement with me. He believes that there are other alternatives besides drugs. (Herbal, Support groups, personal praise at home). etc.

My son has gone through 2 other schools and the other 2 schools are both supported by the Drug Companies. I had complete pressure to have my son on drugs. Schools recieve money from the Drug Companies to promote them.

The principal also informed me that in latest studies of Ritalin that when children come off of the drug they experience tics (I believe this is probably when they are on it for a long period of time). I don’t think that there is enough study of this drug and they are using our kids as guinea pigs.

Check out the site gary.null.com under world issues.

I fought with the previous 2 schools that my son was in. I was even threatened if I don’t put my son on drugs.

I am very happy to find this Principal of this school who is in agreement with me. He apparently was a principal of a school with 14 special classes in it with all kinds of problems so he is very well experiences in these issue. Don’t let society pressure you into thinking that drugs are the only way.
Donna Burroughs wrote:
>
> Thank you for this new info. My daughters teacher
> thinks she is ADD
> but we are testing other things first.I was so afraid of
> putting her on these other meds. This new info gives me some
> hope. Im happy that this is working out for your son. Good
> luck!

I totally disagree in drugging your children to support the Drug Companies in America.

Not only do they drug our children but adults too.

The principal at my son’s school is in agreement with me. He believes that there are other alternatives besides drugs.

My son has gone through 2 other schools and the other 2 schools are both supported by the Drug Companies. I had complete pressure to have my son on drugs. Schools recieve money from the Drug Companies to promote them.

The principal also informed me that in latest studies of Ritalin that when children come off of the drug they experience tics (I believe this is probably when they are on it for a long period of time). I don’t think that there is enough study of this drug and they are using our kids as guinea pigs.

Check out the site gary.null.com under world issues.

I fought with the previous 2 schools that my son was in. I was even threatened if I don’t put my son on drugs.

I am very happy to find this Principal of this school who is in agreement with me. He apparently was a principal of a school with 14 special classes in it with all kinds of problems so he is very well experiences in these issue. Don’t let society pressure you into thinking that drugs are the only way.

Li Ming wrote:
>
> I am new to this board, but I feel after reading these posts,
> I must say I have never seen some of the people on these
> boards be so sold on medication and mental health
> professionals to be so defensive when someone presents
> negative info about meds. The whole point about meds is that
> the side effects sometimes are not worth it… (weight loss,
> appitite loss, stunted growth, possible kidney or liver
> trouble and it goes on a permanent record too raises a
> question if you want certain government jobs)t.he
> alternatives to meds are diet modification; behavior
> modification; I feel especially diet must be looked at in
> this modern society the chemicals; artificial colorings etc.
> which go into our diet. Remember: medication may have some
> positive effects those are yet to be determined: I once
> worked at a hospital years ago, the patients were supposed
> suffering from mental illness etc. The staff fed them doses
> of drugs and the people looked like zombies. One guy in
> particular: he stared into space and refused to have human
> contact. The lab technician wanted to draw blood from his
> arm. He refused to extend his arm out. The head of the
> facility a former black belt navy man I forget the country he
> served in: He came over and asked the Asian lab tech what was
> going on… When he was told about the matter; he stared at
> the zombie and said in a rough tough voice: Give me your arm
> you loser ! ! The man quickly extended his arm out and blood
> was drawn. Another incident was in a newspaper in Hong Kong:
> A ADD boy who went to see a Shrink because his parents were
> worried about him. The shrink told his parents “don’t make
> him do anything he don’t want to do…. This included school.
> The boy had been on meds I believe Pemoline… He took it for
> about three years no luck… So the father was fed up about
> listening to the doctor’s advice… He asked his friend who
> had been a refugee in an earlier exodus from China in the
> 1950’s what he should do since his son refused to go to
> school even though this was a LD school (private) with
> accomodations. tHE friend suggested that the father force him
> to go to school give no choice. So one morning a friend and
> the father went to the kid who still refused to go and then
> the father told him he had a choice: get out of bed and go to
> school otherwise, they would physically drag him there and do
> it on a regular basis in front of everyone untill he got the
> message. The kid hurried to school after that .
>
> So see the thing is in this society today, sometimes you have
> to take a hard line approach now and then. You cannot let
> other strangers tell you what is good for your kid. Drugs
> might be good temporarily… Ritilan, Pemoline ADDREXALL…
> But you have to take a hard line with kids sometimes. You try
> to make it a situation where accomodations are needed but
> they have to meet you half way. The professionals they do
> only so much… Their buisness is to peddle you some meds as
> an answer because it is their bread. However, you have to
> carry the water too. I know some of you might attack the
> message and be defensive but you need to think about
> alternatives to meds: diet, enviornment, food additives.
> Thank you for listening.

Again my concern is that it is a new drug and no one knows that much about short term or long term effects.

Marcie Wolf-Hubbard wrote:
>
> I’ve read some of these posts. I mainly wanted to let you all
> know about a new med for ADHD that is NOT a stimulant– just
> approved by the FDA. We’ve had very positive results for my
> 11 yr old ADHD son on this med (since May 02, in clinical
> drug trial). AFter negative effects of being on a stimulant
> (for 5 yrs), he was able to go on Atomoxetine: here are his
> results: Self-esteem/confidence UP; cooperation UP; life
> POSITIVE!
> (i do not check this message board regularly, so feel free
> to email me.)
> Marcie
> *******
> for full article, go to website:
> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A43588-2002Nov26.html
> FDA Approves ADHD Drug Offering Fewer Side Effects
> By Shankar Vedantam
> Washington Post Staff Writer
> Wednesday, November 27, 2002; Page A02
>
> A new type of medicine to treat
> attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was approved
> yesterday by the Food and Drug Administration, bringing with
> it the promise that the most common psychiatric disorder of
> childhood may be treated with fewer side effects — and less
> controversy.
>
> Atomoxetine, which will be marketed under the brand name
> Strattera, will join in January such drugs as Ritalin that
> are prescribed by physicians. It will become the first
> medicine to treat ADHD that is not a stimulant.
>
> Early studies have indicated that the new medicine does not
> cause insomnia, and is generally well tolerated by children,
> adolescents and adults. No comprehensive studies have
> compared the effectiveness of the new medicine against the
> older drugs, so it will be months before clinicians can
> establish which drug works best for each patient.
>
> An important advantage of the new medicine is that it will be
> the first drug to treat ADHD that is not listed as a Schedule
> II drug, meaning that the FDA does not fear it will be
> abused……..