American is using Ritalin more than five times the usage of the world combined. This is actually 90% of the world?s Ritalin. Peter Breggin, M.D unfolds more.

- 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.
- Children aged six through nine are at the greatest risk for overdose.

As school officials, medical professionals, and other caretakers pressure parents to put their children on medication for the management of ADD/ADHD, few take the time to inform parents what the use of stimulant medications as a daily maintenance medication entails. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin, when given to children, are far more dangerous than parents are being led to believe. Stimulant medications produce far more than mere side effects, they endanger the lives of children by producing a host of dangerous health problems and risks by damaging the functioning of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and more.

The hazardous effects are:
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?.

Effects of Ritalin is suspected to be more powerful 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.

An article published in the New York Times asks the questions ?Is it appropriate, ethicists and pediatricians ask, to medicate children without a clear diagnosis in the hope that they will do better in school? Should the drug be given to adults who may complain that they are failing in their careers or are procrastinators? Are the ends worthy of the means??

And an article published in the January 2005 issue of Pediatrics stated, ?There remain large discrepancies between pediatricians? practice patterns and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for the assessment and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).? If the medical community can?t come to a consensus regarding how to diagnose ADD/ADHD, then why are they making across-the-board decisions as to how to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with the disorder?

In light of the growing controversy surrounding the diagnosis, and increasing misdiagnosis, of ADD/ADHD and the questionable administration of stimulant medications as a form of treatment, it is wise to proceed with caution whenever symptoms might lead to such a diagnosis.

Some good rules to follow whenever ADD/ADHD might be suspected are:
- Don?t settle for one diagnosis of ADD/ADHD by a medical professional what?s more after just one observations.

- 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 ADD/ADHD does indeed appear to be the appropriate diagnosis, never automatically administer maintenance medications such as stimulants without exploring other possibilities first. The side effects and dangers involved in administering ADD/ADHD medications, especially to a child, are just far too great to take the risk.

- 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.

A good decision on what medical treatment best suit oneself is one that educated individuals should be making and it is not only to safeguard yourself but your loved ones.