Ritalin: NOT THE ANSWER

Ditto to that Sem. It seems to be that Corinthian is only here to debate and bully.

I would be shocked if he had read the post as there was no evidence (even circumstantial) to suggest this child has ADHD. Headstrong yes. An indigo? There's a very strong possibility. But ADHD? I would hardly think so. But if he did have ADHD he would have at least 8 of these signs:
1. Often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated.
2. Having difficulty remaining seated when required to do so.
3. Being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
4. Having difficulty awaiting turn in games or group activities.
5. Often blurting out answers before questions are completed.
6. Having difficulty in following instructions.
7. Having difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
8. Often shifting from one uncompleted task to another.
9. Having difficulty playing quietly.
10. Often talking excessively.
11. Often interrupting or intruding on others.
12. Often not listening to what is being said.
13. Often forgetting things necessary for tasks or activities.
14. Often engaging in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.
http://www.healthysource.com/add.html


If he IS recommending Ritalin that does scare me. I wonder if he's aware that Ritalin has the same dependency profile of cocaine and that children treated with Ritalin will have a much higher tolerance and cross tolerance for cocaine when they get older? More high school seniors use it than those taking it medically prescribed. I've seen reports on the news about kids dealing Ritalin in schools before exams. But it is addictive so often they can become hooked. Or what about some of the side effects of Ritalin: increased blood pressure, heart rate, respirations and temperature; appetite suppression, weight loss, growth retardation; facial tics, muscle twitching, central nervous system stimulation, euphoria, nervousness, irritability and agitation, psychotic episodes, violent behavior, paranoid delusions, hallucinations, bizarre behaviors, heart arrhythmias, palpitations and high blood pressure; tolerance and psychological dependence and DEATH.
http://www.adhd-biofeedback.com/DEA.html

A law suit that was taken by parents after their children developed this side effects from Ritalin.
Cardiovascular
1. Rapid heart beat (palpitations, tachycardia)
2. High blood pressure (hypertension)
3. Unusual heart rhythm (arrythmia)
4. Heart attack (cardiac arrest)

Central Nervous System

5. Altered mental status (psychosis)
6. Hallucinations
7. Depression or excitement
8. Convulsions/seizures (excessive brain stimulation)
9. Drowsiness or "dopey" feeling
10. Confusion
11. Lack of sleep (insomnia)
12. Agitation, irritation, anxiety, nervousness
13. Hostility
14. Unhappiness (Dysphoria)
15. Impaired mental abilities (cognitive impairment on tests)
16. Jerky movements (Dyskinesias, tics, Tourette's syndrome)
17. Nervous habits (such as picking at skin or pulling hair)
18. Compulsive behavior
19. Depression/over-sensitivity
20. Decreased social interest
21. Zombie-like behavior

Gastrointestinal

22. Eating disorders (anorexia)
23. Nausea
24. Vomiting
25. Stomach ache / cramps
26. Dry mouth
27. Constipation
28. Abnormal liver function tests

Endocrine/Metabolic

29. Growth problems (pituitary dysfunction)
30. Weight loss

Other
31. Blurred vision
32. Headache
33. Dizziness
34. Rash/conjunctivitis/hives
35. Hair loss
36. Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)
37. Blood disorders (anorexia, leukoplacia)
38. Involuntary discharge of urine (enuresis)
39. Fever
40. Joint pain
41. Unusual sweating

Withdrawal and Rebound
42. Sleep problems (insomnia)
43. Evening crash
44. Depression
45. Over-activity and irritability
46. Worsening of ADHD-like symptoms
http://www.adhd-biofeedback.com/lawsuit.html

And what the fact that is may cause cancer and/or permanent brain damage?
http://www.adhd-biofeedback.com/cancer.html
http://www.adhd-biofeedback.com/braindamage.html

If a child does had ADHD then there are safer natural methods. Like a study that showed that fish oils work better than prescription drugs to treat ADHD. http://www.newstarget.com/019432.html