Ritalin

Ritalin and Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

About 15,000 children in Britain take Ritalin. In 1999, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was called upon to investigate the rise in Ritalin prescriptions. A UN spokesman warned that unless urgent checks are introduced, Britain is set to follow the US where as many as 40% of children in some schools are on Ritalin, often starting as young as one year old.

There is a real fear among British and American doctors that it’s increasing use means we are in danger of creating a generation of zombies – docile, obedient children in whom all individuality has been stamped out.

One of Britain’s leading neuro-scientists, Professor Steven Rose, director of the Brain and Behaviour Research Group at the Open University, believes society must face up to the Ritalin problem first – “There is incredible fashionable pressure on Psychiatrists to use Ritalin. I find it an alarming development. It’s being used to buy breathing space in dealing with these kids. It may have a limited short-term use but that’s not the way it is being used in the majority of cases”.

Professor Rose thinks that the definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is “too vague” and dismisses suggestions that up to a quarter of a million children require the drug. “There may be 1:1000 who need medication for some organic brain problem, but we should investigate this properly.”

There is also a question mark over the long-term risks of Ritalin. Should otherwise healthy children be given an amphetamine-like stimulant, which has been linked with stunted growth, suppressed appetite, insomnia and facial tics? One controversial study has shown a child on Ritalin is more likely to abuse drugs in later life.

Side effects of Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Parents, teachers and other interested parties are generally unaware that use of Ritalin can cause a significant number of health problems and risks, including the following:

v Cardiovascular - rapid heart beat (palpitations, tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), unusual heart rhythm (arrythmia), heart attack (cardiac arrest)

v Central Nervous System – altered mental status (psychosis), hallucinations, depression or excitement, convulsions/seizures (excessive brain stimulation), drowsiness or “dopey” feeling, confusion, lack of sleep (insomnia), agitation/irritation/anxiety/nervousness, hostility, unhappiness (dysphoria), impaired mental abilities (cognitive impairment on tests), jerky movements (dyskinesia), tics, Tourette’s syndrome), nervous habits (such as picking at skin or pulling hair), compulsive behaviour, depression/oversensitivity, decreased social interest, zombie-like behaviour.

v Gastro-intestinal – eating disorders (anorexia), nausea, vomiting, stomach ache/cramps, dry mouth, constipation, abnormal liver function tests.

v Endocrine/Metabolic – growth problems (pituitary dysfunction), weight loss.

v Other – blurred vision, headache, dizziness, rash/conjunctivitis/hives, hair loss, inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). Blood disorders (anorexia, leukoplakia), involuntary discharge of urine (enuresis), fever, joint pain, unusual sweating.

Testimonial for a natural alternative to Ritalin

Our youngest son, now in his early teens, was diagnosed with ADHD from an early age. It had been a constant source of worry. His hyperactivity and behaviour was a complete nightmare, as anyone with a child with ADD or ADHD will understand. He was put on Ritalin and Dexamphetamines. These drugs quietened him down initially but he lost his appetite, his growth became stunted and he always felt physically sick after taking them.

A friend told us about an ionised multi vitamin and mineral drink and a powerful anti-oxidant combination, that she felt might help. I was sceptical, but equally concerned about our son’s dependence on drugs and the effect they had on him.

Change was gradual, but we managed to wean him off these drugs and our family cannot believe the change in him. We have many positive results with all those in the ADHD and ADD groups, whose children are taking these nutritional supplements.

I hope this experience will encourage anyone who knows of families with children, or adults for that matter, with ADHD or related disorders, to tell them about these products.

Colin Hill, South Wales, talking about Maximol and Revenol