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ADHD: Is Ritalin Really the
Wonder Drug?
ADHD and Ritalin:
 Millions
of adults and children with ADHD have been treated with methylphenidate, a
stimulant drug, for several decades now. Although various manufacturers produce
methylphenidate, the drug continues to be known by its famous trade name of
Ritalin. Ritalin’s quieting effect on children and adults with ADHD, and its
ability to help them focus and solve complex tasks, has been noted for several
decades with its use increasing enormously. According to some estimates, there
has been a 300% increase in use by children and adults with ADHD since 1990
alone. As many as 10% to 12% of American boys may take Ritalin for ADHD, with
the number of girls using the medication also growing. Around 8.5 tons of
Ritalin are produced each year, with about 90% being used
AHHD- Ritalin Safety:
More recently, many clinicians and parents are beginning to question the need
for and safety of this drug. During the late 1980s, several lawsuits were filed
against physicians, schools and even the American Psychiatric Association,
claiming the misuse of Ritalin. While many of the lawsuits have been dismissed,
the public’s perception of the use of Ritalin for ADHD will never be the same.
At the same time, Ritalin has also become a popular recreational drug among
teenagers, with many individuals becoming dependent upon it. This has also
raised the level of public concern.
Overdiagnosis of ADHD
In 1996, the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board concluded
that ADHD may in fact be overdiagnosed in the United States, and that many
children who have been receiving these medications may be innacurately
diagnosed. ADHD can be reliably diagnosed only after a battery of observations,
interviews, psychological tests and physical exams. Studies have found however,
that only one-third to one-half of children who receive this diagnosis from
pediatricians, undergo psychological or educational testing to support the
conclusion.
ADHD Treatments:
Children and adults with ADHD have continued to find Ritalin to be an
effective medication, in assisting with difficulties associated with their
symptoms. Parent training and behavioral programs have also been found to be
effective in many cases. However, behavioral programs have been found to be more
likely to be effective in combination with Ritalin. When children with ADHD are
taken off the drug, (frequently because of the drug’s negative publicity) many
have done very poorly.
Side-Effects:
Contemporary studies have found that Ritalin is safe for most people with
ADHD. The undesirable side effects usually include insomnia, stomachaches,
headaches, or loss of appetite. In a small number cases, however, it may cause
facial tics. Psychotic symptoms have also been found to appear in a very small
number of cases. Ritalin has been found to occasionally effect the growth of
some children, requiring "drug holidays" during the summer to prevent this
effect. More studies will be necessary to continue to evaluate Ritalin’s
long-term side effect profile.
Recommendations and Conclusions:
The question remains as to what to do with a drug that is helpful to so many,
but almost certainly is over- used or even abused in many cases. The solution
recommended by a growing number of clinicians is better control of its use.
Researchers must continue to study the drug, and pediatricians and others who
work with children must be better trained in the assessment of ADHD. Also, they
must be required to conduct better testing before diagnosing ADHD, and finally,
must become more aware of helpful treatments other then Ritalin. Only under
these circumstances, will Ritalin fulfill its potential as a truly useful
treatment for a serious problem in modern-day society.
Information provided by
Ronald J. Comer’s
Abnormal
Psychology
Additional Information and
webpage
by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
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