The Untold Danger-Ritalin And Other Stimulant For Treatment Of ADD/ADHD

Report shows that usage of Ritalin in America is five times more than world usage. This is a staggering 90% of the world’s Ritalin. Peter Breggin, M.D provides further insights.
- More than 10% of the nation’s children are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as indicated by recent statistics.
- For treating ADD/ADHD, more than 5 million are using Ritalin or other stimulant.
- There have also been cases that hundreds of children who took these medication have taken more than the recommended dose every year.
- The possibility of overdosing is greater for children between the age of six to nine.
The usage of Ritalin and other stimulants in treatment of ADD/ADHD can cause more than just side effects. There have been prove that these stimulants can lead to a more serious health problems such as damaging the functioning of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system and this will in turn endanger the lives of these children who depend on them. Parents have been pressured by many to opt for these stimulants as treatment for ADD/ADHD but they have not been informed of the requirement of using this medication.
Here are some of the dangers it can bring:
Cardiovascular System
Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, and heart attack.
Central Nervous System
Altered mental status, hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, convulsions, depression, excitement, agitation, irritation, anxiety, nervousness, hostility, nervousness, compulsive behavior, tics, jerky movements, tourette’s, drowsiness, confusion, lack of sleep, unhappiness, depression, over-sensitivity, decreased social interest, zombie-like mannerisms, impaired mental abilities.
Gastrointestinal
Eating disorders, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and cramps, dry mouth, constipation, growth problems, and endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Other
Blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, incontinence, fever, joint pain, blood disorders, rash, conjunctivitis, hives, skin inflammation, and hair loss.
Withdrawal and Rebound
Worsening of symptoms, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, irritability, over-activity, and stimulant “crash�.
Ritalin may be more potent than cocaine!
Findings of a European study shows that Ritalin can be more hazardous than cocaine. Although in pill form, Ritalin does not produce immediate effect, once metabolized it can occupy more dopamine receptors than cocaine. Addicts who are users of cocaine have also claimed that Ritalin, when injected will produce the same effect as cocaine.
In their clear conscience, pediatrics and ethicist have also voiced their concerns treatment without clear diagnosis that leads to usage of Ritalin as well as other stimulants to treat children who do not do well in school and adults who are failing in their careers and are procrastinators. They question the worthiness of this means of treatment.
There also have been concerns on the large discrepancies between pediatricians practice pattern and the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines in assessment and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as stated in an article in the January 2005b issue of Pediatrics. The fact that the medical community did not come to an agreement regarding how to diagnose ADD/ADHD and therefore, it is questionable that they have made a far-reaching decisions as to how to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with the disorder.
There have been many reports of misdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD and the controversy surrounding the diagnosis of it does not help ease the situation. Therefore, one can take precautions in receiving diagnosis that leads to ADD/ADHD.
If you find yourself in a position where ADD/ADHD is suspected, then some guidelines to follow are:
- Never assume that ADD/ADHD is the correct diagnosis. Never insist that a medical professional issue a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD on observations alone.
- A through evaluation on the patient is needed in order to come to a final conclusion that the patient suffer from ADD/ADHD. Other possibilities should be tested upon the patient such as another disorder, nutritional imbalance, or food allergies and sensitivities. No medication should be given on a try and see basis.
- If the final conclusion points to ADD/ADHD then one should not just settle for medications involving stimulants. One should always go for other possible treatments first as the side effects are too risky especially when used for children.
- Do not fall for quick fix solution because they would usually involve medications such as stimulants. All type of quick fix fad should be perceived with suspicions.
An educated individual is one who is best able to make intelligent decisions regarding his or her own medical treatment, or regarding the treatment of children.

Article Source: http://myarticlezine.com

Jimmy Brownen is a leading expert in the field of ADD/ADHD and has years of experience in the treatment of it. For more information on the disorder or for alternative means of curing ADHD, please visit his site.

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