ADHD has become one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders of childhood. Ritalin, most commonly prescribed for its treatment, "is a powerful stimulant that has pharmacological and psychological effects that are almost indistinguishable from those of cocaine" (Richard De Grandpre, "Ritalin Nation", 1999). "Emergency room visits by children aged 10-14 involving Ritalin intoxication have now reached the same levels as those for cocaine. This indicates escalating abuse of this highly addictive drug……Ritalin has become so ingrained in society that some parents have been forced by courts to give the drugs to their children" (Peter Breggin, "Talking Back to Ritalin", 1998).

In his 1991 book Russell Barkley stated that there is "no risk of addiction" when the drug is "taken orally as prescribed". When faced with mounting evidence concerning Ritalin abuse and addiction, Barkley recently declared, "No, Ritalin is not addictive – when taken orally. For this drug to be potentially addictive, it has to be crushed and inhaled nasally, or injected, and that has to be done repeatedly". This is quite an extraordinary position for Barkley to adopt in light of current evidence which points to the reverse being true. In the words of Peter Breggin MD, "How can any highly addictive drug be addictive by one route of administration and not by another?"

In Australia in the past nine years there has been an alarming increase (1300 per cent) in prescription rates for stimulants and antidepressants in school-aged children to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. South Australia has experienced an almost 2000 per cent increase in psychostimulant use between 1991 and 1995. It is estimated that at least 50,000 Australian children are now on these prescription drugs. The Australian Medical Association is concerned that insufficient research has been done into the effects of stimulants on brain development.

In the United States an astounding 2.5 million children were prescribed Ritalin in 1997 and of these some 80% were boys. First Lady Hillary Clinton is also concerned about the 150 per cent growth in psychostimulant medication during the period 1991 and 1995. There are moves in the United States for a complete moratorium on the prescription of powerful psychiatric drugs including Ritalin and the antidepressant Prozac, to children under the age of six.

On February 9, 2006, the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA, voted to recommend a "black box" warning describing the risks of stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD and proposed the development of a guide for patients to be provided at the time prescriptions are dispensed; these are to contain information written in ordinary language about the potential hazards of the medication (Nissen, SE, 6 April 2006, New England Journal of Medicine Vol 354 (14), p1445-1448).

Medications under review were mainly amphetamines (Adderall & other brands) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta and other brands. The cardiovascular effects of these agents viz. increased heart rate and blood pressure have been thoroughly described in the medical literature. Briefing documents prepared for the FDA committee meeting in February described cases of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and sudden death in children and adults on ADHD stimulants (http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-420200TOC.htm). The committee agreed that the "long-term benefits and risks of stimulant treatment are not known definitively" (NEJM May 25th 2006 p 2296).

A small, but recent study, (24th February 2005) conducted by researchers (University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston & the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston) reported the detection of chromosome abnormalities after just three months, in every one of a dozen children treated for ADHD with methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the generic name for a group of drugs that include Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD and others. The chromosome changes are associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of cancer and other adverse health effects. Larger studies at several medical centres are needed to confirm these results and to answer questions not addressed by it. The most important question "Do levels of chromosome abnormalities go back to normal once patients stop taking methylphenidate?" has yet to be addressed (Cancer Letters- Article in Press by Randa A EL-Zein, Sherif Z. Abdel-Rhaman, Matthew J Hay, Mirtha S Lopez, Melissa L Bondy, Debra L Morris and Marvin S Legator. See link http://www.newswise.com/p/articles/view/510069/

Given these concerns, it is worthwhile to examine the possible side effects of these powerful psychotropic medications, their effects on brain function, medical disorders than can result in ADHD-like behaviours and other medications that can also cause ADHD-like symptoms.

The most common medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder fall into three classes: stimulants (Ritalin , Dextroamphetamine), antidepressants (Tofranil, Norpramin, Prozac), and antihypertensives (Catapress). Each individual responds in their own unique way to the medication depending upon the person’s physical make-up, severity of symptoms, and other conditions which often accompany ADHD.

[Source: Talking Back to Ritalin, Dr Peter Breggin, 1998 (pg 12) *Depression & sadness added
Modified from the Drug Enforcement Administration (1995b)]

(Source: P Breggin,MD, "Talking Back to Ritalin", (1998) page 44)

There are many medical disorders that can mimic ADHD/ADD. Thus it is important to eliminate the following disorders before a diagnosis is made. These include:

Stimulants (Ritalin, Dextroamphetamine, Adderall, Cylert, Caffeine)
See the article by T. Lorensen: " Extracts from Talking Back To Ritalin" by Peter Breggin M.D.
and the CLASS ACTION AGAINST RITALIN website.
A small, but recent study, (24th February 2005) conducted by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston reported the detection of chromosome abnormalities after just three months, in every one of a dozen children treated for ADHD with methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the generic name for a group of drugs that include Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD and others. The chromosome changes are associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of cancer and other adverse health effects. Larger studies at several medical centres are needed to confirm these results and to answer questions not addressed by it. The findings from this study then begs the question "Do levels of chromosome abnormalities go back to normal once patients stop taking methylphenidate?" (Cancer Letters- Article in Press by Randa A EL-Zein, Sherif Z. Abdel-Rhaman, Matthew J Hay, Mirtha S Lopez, Melissa L Bondy, Debra L Morris and Marvin S Legator. See link http://www.newswise.com/p/articles/view/510069/

Antidepressants (including SSRI’s such as Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft)

Neuroleptics or antipsychotics (Melleril, Haldol, Largactil, Navane, Risperidone etc.)

Minor tranquilisers, sedatives or sleeping medications (valium, Normison, Librium, Xanax, Ativan etc.)

Antiepileptic medication (Dilantin, Tegratol, Epalim, Depakote, Zarontin)

Barbiturates (phenobarbitol, amobarbitol, or Amytal, Butisol, Nembutal, Seconal)

Mood stabilisers (Lithium, Catapress, Depakote, Tofranil, Verapamil)

Any drug that can make you sleepy can impair alertness and impair concentration.

Anabolic steroids (used to build muscle mass)

Antibiotics frequently cause fatigue. A number have been associated with mental abnormalities, including various penicillins and cephalosporins (Ceclor).

Phencyclidine (PCP)

d-Lysergic acid (LSD)

All sedatives, hypnotics, minor tranquilisers including halcicon, Valium, Ativan, Xanax, Dalmane, Klonopin

There is no magic cure for ADD/ADHD. However, it can be managed. The cornerstones of management include: identifying the antecedents, triggers and mediators of the signs and symptoms; dietary and nutritional intervention (biomedical approach including exercise); remediation of literacy and numeracy skills; neurophysiological retraining (EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy); behaviour modification and organisational planning; stress management including meditation/prayer and above all a supportive family and social environment to nurture self esteem and empower these individuals to reach their fullest potential.

For appointments, please contact:-

Rosemary Boon, Registered Psychologist
M.A.(Psych), Grad. Dip. Ed. Studies (Sch.Counsel), Grad. Dip. Ed., B.Sc., MAPS, AACNEM