Ritalin use

[Jon Miller]

bump because I know of at least 3 people who mentioned their ritalin use

JM

[Datajack Franit]

So are you really saying that Ritaline is a good thing for kids? I can't imagine anything like this happening in Europe

[Jon Miller]

no

I don't think it is good in general

I can imagine that it is good in some specific cases, but that is just because I am not a doctor, and haven't read the papers

JM

[Jon Miller]

and I beleive one of the links said it did happen in areas of europe

JM

[Nostromo]

So are you really saying that Ritaline is a good thing for kids? I can't imagine anything like this happening in Europe

They don't use Ritalin, or similar drugs, in Europe? I doubt that. Maybe they use them less than they do here, but I'm sure they use them nonetheless.

[Nostromo]

I've been reading about it, since I suspect I may have ADD without hyperactivity. Here's what an expert on ADD, Ed Hallowell, says about medication:

When used properly, the medications for ADD are safe and effective. Research shows that medication is the single most effective treatment for ADD. It works for 80 to 90 percent of people who try it. When it works, it increases mental focus, which leads to improved performance in all domains of life.

That said, treating ADD is more complex than simply taking pills.

First of all, not any doctor will do, you need to find a doctor who knows what he's doing, who has been trained in treating ADD. Child psychiatrists have the most training in ADD and they also treat adults. But it seems they're hard to find. If a doctor prescribes Ritalin to you or your child 10 minutes after having met you or your child, go see another doctor.

Once you find a competent doctor, he or she will make a diagnostic. If you have ADD, the treatment can start. What is the best threatment for ADD? According to Hallowell:

The best approach to treating ADD is to follow an individualized, comprehensive plan specifically designed for you, based on your particular situation and needs. One size does not fit all.

Here are the most common, key ingredients of such a comprehensive plan:

- Education. Learn what ADD is and what its not. This is important, since you'll have to convince yourself and the people around you that ADD isn't a bogus illness, that you're not just a lazy bastard. I'm not sure I'm fully convinced myself.

- Changes in lifestyle. For example, increase physical exercise, cut down on TV, videogames...

- Learn how to better structure your life. For example, how to plan, how to use to-do lists...

- Counseling

- Medication

[BustaMike]

RITALIN IS A STREET DRUG MATT! DO YOU KNOW THAT!

[Sava]

the widespread use of this drug disturbs me... the symptoms of ADD don't sound like they are abnormal. Kids having problems sitting still in class? Kids having problems paying attention in school? Maybe that's because schools sucks and is boring.

But instead of examining the real issue (why schools suck so much) we drug up our kids.

personally, i think giving all these kids ritalin to the extreme is child abuse.

[Datajack Franit]

Sava

[Nostromo]

Originally posted by Sava
the widespread use of this drug disturbs me... the symptoms of ADD don't sound like they are abnormal. Kids having problems sitting still in class? Kids having problems paying attention in school? Maybe that's because schools sucks and is boring.

But instead of examining the real issue (why schools suck so much) we drug up our kids.

personally, i think giving all these kids ritalin to the extreme is child abuse.

I admit, there are problems. Overdiagnosis and, probably, overmedication. But that doesn't mean that ADD is a bogus illness and hence doesn't need to be treated. There's no need of pulling a Tom Cruise, you know. Like Hallowell pointed out:

Q: Is ADD overdiagnosed among children?

A: Yes, but also no. It is overdiagnosed in some places, underdiagnosed in others. There are schools and regions where every child who blinks fast seems to get diagnosed with ADD. At the same time, there are places around the country where doctors refuse to make the diagnosis at all because they "don't believe in ADD." ADD is not a religious principle; it is a medical diagnosis derived from such solid evidence as genetic studies, brain scans and worldwide epidemiological surveys.

Originally posted by Sava
the symptoms of ADD don't sound like they are abnormal. Kids having problems sitting still in class? Kids having problems paying attention in school?

Maybe because those are not the symptoms of ADD? Or, to be more exact, are not sufficient to conclude that someone suffers from ADD. Diagnosing ADD is a lot more complex than you let on, and it takes time. Doctors who prescribe Ritalin 10 minutes after having interviewed someone are either incompetent, or they don't have the time to make a proper assessment.

[Timexwatch]

But Jon, you're so well adjusted in person.

[Jon Miller]

thanks

Jon Miller

[Provost Harrison]

I used to work at the site where they manufactured the active pharmaceutical ingredient (Novartis Grimsby). Horrible place filled with horrible people...

[Nostromo]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
I used to work at the site where they manufactured the active pharmaceutical ingredient (Novartis Grimsby). Horrible place filled with horrible people...

People like this?

[Provost Harrison]

Hey, that's my old manager!