| There's no doubt that Ritalin and other ADD drugs | | | | positive attitude toward their medicated children. |
| are effective. In his book, The Myth Of The A.D.D | | | | Teachers are also less harsh toward medicated |
| Child, Thomas Armstrong has this to say about | | | | kids than they are toward hyperactive children |
| Ritalin "No non-chemical intervention can be applied | | | | taking a placebo. |
| at a cost of approximately 20 cents and 5 or 10 | | | | And the ADD (or ADHD) kids themselves interact |
| minutes a day (for the drug to take effect), and | | | | more positively with others. They are better able |
| no other intervention can claim documented | | | | to control their impulses, which means that they |
| success rates ranging from 60-90%" | | | | are less likely to hit other children and more able |
| Studies have also suggested that the | | | | to wait their turn and share. |
| psycho-stimulant drugs prescribed for ADD | | | | So if Ritalin is so good, why don't we give it to all |
| reduce large and small motor movement. This | | | | children? Why isn't it available as an |
| means that your child is less hyperactive and | | | | over-the-counter medication for all parents - "a |
| fidgety. | | | | parenting aid" or "memory aid" if you will? |
| These drugs also increase attentiveness, especially | | | | Because there's another side to these |
| in a classroom setting. Psycho-stimulant medication | | | | psycho-stimulant drugs. A dark and sometimes |
| also makes the child more willing to follow | | | | deadly side that drug companies don't want you |
| instructions from parents or teacher. It also | | | | to know about -The same companies that stand |
| reduces aggressive, interfering, or other defiant | | | | to lose millions of dollars in revenue if you |
| behaviors toward both adults and peers. There is | | | | discovered the truth. |
| also some evidence that psycho-stimulant | | | | Chances are that even your doctor doesn't know |
| medication improves a child's short-term academic | | | | about these dangerous side effects, unless he |
| performance in spelling and math, as well as in | | | | specializes in treating ADHD. |
| reading comprehension workbooks, and on some | | | | But as a parent you MUST be aware of them. |
| memory and written tasks. (But these | | | | BEFORE it's too late. You cannot leave the health |
| improvements are short-lived) | | | | and wellbeing of your precious child in the hands |
| Even the ADHD child's social interactions seem to | | | | of companies whose ultimate concern is their |
| benefit as a result of taking the medication. | | | | bottom line. |
| Mothers are less controlling and have a more | | | | |