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

By: Jimmy Brownen Click author's name for more of his/her articles

"America now uses 90% of the world's Ritalin - more than five times the rest of the world combined." - Peter Breggin, M.D, Talking Back to Ritalin

- Current statistics indicate that as many as 10% of the nation's children have been diagnosed as having ADD/ADHD.

- For treating ADD/ADHD, more than 5 million are using Ritalin or other stimulant.

- There have been yearly reports of children taken more than recommend dose of Ritalin and other stimulants resulting in overdose.

- 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 might do more harm 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.

Here are the golden rules to follow if one suspected of ADD/ADHD.
- Don't settle for one diagnosis of ADD/ADHD by a medical professional what's more after just one observations.

- The diagnosis of ADD/ADHD should be one of a final diagnosis and if this did not involve eliminating the possibility of another disorder, nutritional imbalance, or food allergies and sensitivities then it is not a real diagnosis.

- 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.

- The last thing you need is to fall for any quick fix solution. These sort of fad diagnosis would more often than not be offering stimulants as the quick remedy. Therefore, avoid at all cost.

As an educated individuals, one should be seeking the best form of treatment for oneself and for the best interest of your children.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: As a leading practitioner in the field of treating attention deficit disorder, Jimmy Brownen has had man years of experience in the treatment of such disorders. For more information on adderall or vyvanse, please visit his site today.