Alarming rise in children treated for ADHD
The rise in children treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was described as "staggering" and "alarming" yesterday.
New estimates show almost 5000 children in Scotland are taking tablets for the condition every day - a 12-fold increase in little more than a decade.
But while some worried that common misbehaviour is now being treated as a medical condition, doctors argued that even more young people suffer from the disorder and could benefit from drugs.
Dr Chris Steer, a paediatric neurologist with NHS Fife, referred to the 20% increase in prescriptions for ADHD last year not as "over-prescribing" but as "catching-up".
Edinburgh-based Sophie Dow, the mother of a child with mild ADHD, set up charity Mindroom to raise awareness of the vast area of learning difficulties.
She said: "We are getting better at diagnosing ADHD, and in many cases prescribing a drug like Ritalin is the right answer. Equally, in many cases there are alternative treatments that also work."
Impulsiveness, restlessness and inattentiveness are among the symptoms listed for ADHD - adjectives which might apply to many young people at some point in their childhood.
The education and social lives of the majority will not suffer much as a result of this behaviour, but even at the severe end of the spectrum, there is scepticism about who has a medical problem and who has a discipline problem.
Judith Gillespie, development manager of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, said: "There is always grave disquiet about giving what are pretty powerful drugs to children, perhaps before all other options have been exhausted.
"I understand children who genuinely suffer from the condition need help and support, as do their families, but it is probably an area which needs a co-ordinated review to make sure that children are not being wrongly diagnosed.
"Our tolerance of what in the past was regarded as normal childhood behaviour, has gone down."
She argued that society is confused about children, on one hand wanting to shield them from every danger and on the other "going over-board when they misbehave".
Ms Gillespie said: "We do not seem to understand as a society that children are kind of trying to explore the boundaries of what is permissible and sometimes step wide of the mark, and therefore we tend to over-react to bad behaviour."
Asked about perceptions that poor parents reach for a diagnosis of ADHD rather than address their own failings, Ms Gillespie said knowing how to chastise children had become very complicated.
Dr Steer agreed there is confusion among parents about what constitutes ADHD and what is a behavioural problem which requires management but not prescription drugs.
However, he said clinicians should know the difference.
He pointed to evidence that ADHD is the result of inherited genes, not just the way children have been brought up. According to Dr Steer a study found when ADHD occurred among identical twins, who have the same genetic make up, both siblings were highly likely to have the condition. However, he said, among non-identical twins ADHD was more likely to afflict just one of the pair.
He also said it was difficult for families to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD.
Research suggests 1.5% of children in Scotland suffer severe ADHD and 5% have some form of the disorder, hence his argument treating 0.8% or 4939 young people with daily tablets such as Ritalin, is actually "catching up".
However, Dr Steer also stressed medication was not meant to be a stand-alone treatment. Sufferers should receive a package of care potentially including psychological and behavioural support and additional help at school and at home.
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Posted by: Margie, Canada on 12:35am Wed 19 Dec 07
This ADHD thing has become an excuse for bad behaviour. If parents can't control their children the fall back seems to ADHD. No way should children be subjected to drugs to control behaviour.
How many children are being given Ritalin with no benefit to them.
I was an employee of a School Board for 40 years and have seen the destruction of discipline. Parents seem to think that teachers and the school should be able to do everything for their children, be social workers etc., but, if a member of staff dares even think of telling their children what they did was wrong the parents are up in arms, blaming the teacher.
This seems to be a problem everywhere.
DRUGGING children is NOT the answer.
This ADHD thing has become an excuse for bad behaviour. If parents can't control their children the fall back seems to ADHD. No way should children be subjected to drugs to control behaviour.
How many children are being given Ritalin with no benefit to them.
I was an employee of a School Board for 40 years and have seen the destruction of discipline. Parents seem to think that teachers and the school should be able to do everything for their children, be social workers etc., but, if a member of staff dares even think of telling their children what they did was wrong the parents are up in arms, blaming the teacher.
This seems to be a problem everywhere.
DRUGGING children is NOT the answer.
Posted by: Calochilus, Australia on 3:22am Wed 19 Dec 07
It would seem the Luddites have the upper hand despite the best endeavours of our leading reserrchers
It would seem the Luddites have the upper hand despite the best endeavours of our leading reserrchers
Posted by: RDavis, Vienna on 7:56am Wed 19 Dec 07
Ban Smarties and bring back the belt.
Ban Smarties and bring back the belt.
Posted by: Craig on 8:56am Wed 19 Dec 07
I'm no expert but I would say in 90 % of cases, If kids have problems concentrating and can't behave then it is because they eat too much rubbish, watch too much television (changing the channel every 2 minutes), play too many video games (kids adrenaline levels have been shown to go through the roof without any physical activity), and they don't exercise and read enough. Then the parents turn round and wonder why they can't sit still. Then the typical modern day solution - stick em on drugs instead of adressing the root of the problem.
I'm no expert but I would say in 90 % of cases, If kids have problems concentrating and can't behave then it is because they eat too much rubbish, watch too much television (changing the channel every 2 minutes), play too many video games (kids adrenaline levels have been shown to go through the roof without any physical activity), and they don't exercise and read enough. Then the parents turn round and wonder why they can't sit still. Then the typical modern day solution - stick em on drugs instead of adressing the root of the problem.
Posted by: karen, ibiza on 9:51am Wed 19 Dec 07
[italic]italic[/italic] as a mother of a 17 year old boy diagnosed with adhd one year ago it is very sad to see comments like ....it is just an excuse for bad behaviour....would we accuse a wheelchair bound pupil who was consistently late for class as lazy? After my son's diagnosis (he takes 1 concerta tablet every day) we have seen a marked increase in his sociability and success at school. I would urge any parent out there who is worried about their child to seek experienced professional guidance...and don't listen to unqualified "opinions."
as a mother of a 17 year old boy diagnosed with adhd one year ago it is very sad to see comments like ....it is just an excuse for bad behaviour....would we accuse a wheelchair bound pupil who was consistently late for class as lazy? After my son's diagnosis (he takes 1 concerta tablet every day) we have seen a marked increase in his sociability and success at school. I would urge any parent out there who is worried about their child to seek experienced professional guidance...and don't listen to unqualified "opinions."
Posted by: sunny, undertheweather on 10:46am Wed 19 Dec 07
Dr Peter R. Breggen is not so happy with Ritalin.
Research has proven that Vitamin B6 can be a good alternative for Ritalin!!!
Ritalin is/was on the list of prohibited drugs , the so-called Opium list.
Patients with a history of drug abuse are refused Ritalin because of the chance/risk to abuse it too.
there are stories of teenagers selling the drug and teachers stealing them from their pupils and parents from their kids. Ritalin heightens the concentration on practically everyone who uses it.
Dr Peter R. Breggen is not so happy with Ritalin.
Research has proven that Vitamin B6 can be a good alternative for Ritalin!!!
Ritalin is/was on the list of prohibited drugs , the so-called Opium list.
Patients with a history of drug abuse are refused Ritalin because of the chance/risk to abuse it too.
there are stories of teenagers selling the drug and teachers stealing them from their pupils and parents from their kids. Ritalin heightens the concentration on practically everyone who uses it.
Posted by: aelle on 11:04am Wed 19 Dec 07
I wholeheartedly agree with Dr Peter R. Breggen that he considers children with ADHD and other behaviour problem actually to be among our most creative, sensitive, energetic and intelligent.
I am personally in contact with them.
The use of medication for their management is worthy of public concern and scorn.
Thank you miss Puttick for bringing it on.
I wholeheartedly agree with Dr Peter R. Breggen that he considers children with ADHD and other behaviour problem actually to be among our most creative, sensitive, energetic and intelligent.
I am personally in contact with them.
The use of medication for their management is worthy of public concern and scorn.
Thank you miss Puttick for bringing it on.
Posted by: jagman, glasgow on 11:04am Wed 19 Dec 07
I wonder what is the effect of additives in prepared foods and colourings in this condition, as I seem to recall these things being blamed in the past. It would be interesting to see the effect of banning such items for a period of one or two years on the incidence of this condition.
I wonder what is the effect of additives in prepared foods and colourings in this condition, as I seem to recall these things being blamed in the past. It would be interesting to see the effect of banning such items for a period of one or two years on the incidence of this condition.
Posted by: Ronit Baras, Australia on 11:19am Wed 19 Dec 07
Judith Gillespie,
You are sooooooo right!!!!!
People changed the standards. It is almost like weight. What was normal in the past is no longer normal.
I have been working with Special Education - learning difficulties and gifted kids for 22 years, every one that was hard to work with had a problem, it was never the teacher's problem or the parents' problem, it was always the kid.
You tell a kid he has a problem 3 times and he believes you.
Try telling him he is different but gifted and see how wonderful he is.
lables are for people seeking control, poor the kids who has careres that need control so much they can't handle them being different.
Ronit Baras
http://www.ronitbara
s.com
Judith Gillespie,
You are sooooooo right!!!!!
People changed the standards. It is almost like weight. What was normal in the past is no longer normal.
I have been working with Special Education - learning difficulties and gifted kids for 22 years, every one that was hard to work with had a problem, it was never the teacher's problem or the parents' problem, it was always the kid.
You tell a kid he has a problem 3 times and he believes you.
Try telling him he is different but gifted and see how wonderful he is.
lables are for people seeking control, poor the kids who has careres that need control so much they can't handle them being different.
Ronit Baras
http://www.ronitbara
s.com
Posted by: David Anthony on 3:00pm Wed 19 Dec 07
My Nephew, now 14, has been on Ritalin since he was 4 years old. I know, because he's my nephew and my brother's son - that the family situation and emotional trauma caused my nephew to be typical of ADHD diagnosed cases. BUT DRUGGING KIDS IS NOT THE ANSWER. Ms Gillespies comments are spot on. We're an intollerant society looking for the easy option at every turn.
My nephew is now on drugs to counteract the side-effects of Ritalin after being on it for almost 10 years. He's typically gaunt with dark areas around his eyes - very obviously on a sedative drug.
The fact that the number of cases in Scotland has risen is much more to do with doctors also looking for the 'quick fix'. It's easy to prescribe a drug. it takes up little time and targets can be met.
My Nephew, now 14, has been on Ritalin since he was 4 years old. I know, because he's my nephew and my brother's son - that the family situation and emotional trauma caused my nephew to be typical of ADHD diagnosed cases. BUT DRUGGING KIDS IS NOT THE ANSWER. Ms Gillespies comments are spot on. We're an intollerant society looking for the easy option at every turn.
My nephew is now on drugs to counteract the side-effects of Ritalin after being on it for almost 10 years. He's typically gaunt with dark areas around his eyes - very obviously on a sedative drug.
The fact that the number of cases in Scotland has risen is much more to do with doctors also looking for the 'quick fix'. It's easy to prescribe a drug. it takes up little time and targets can be met.
Posted by: Joe age 10, school on 4:08pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Whit is this aboot again, Ive forgotten...........
..........
Whit is this aboot again, Ive forgotten...........
..........
Posted by: Fiona Sinclair, Ayrshire on 11:25pm Wed 19 Dec 07
Some good comments above - I'm glad to see that people are not taken in by the self-interest of pharmaceutical companies or the empire-building of sectors within the medical profession.
ADHD is a label - not a diagnosis. It covers a whole range of sometimes overlapping problems, from bad parenting or teaching, through nutritional deficiency because of poor diet or an unrecognised health problem, to undiagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Societal breakdown also plays its part.
The claims of the drug lobbyists re. differences in the brains of children with ADHD is extremely contentious and is outrightly disputed by psychiatrists such as Peter Breggin in the US, and many others:-
http://www.breggin.c
om/
The reality is that there are a growing number of studies that show that these drugs damage and atrophy the developing brain of a child. Even the manufacturers labels tell us that they produce fatal and near-fatal effects on the heart. The medical and political establishments should stop promulgating these distortions and the fraudulent claims for the efficacy of these drugs, and the media should stop churning out articles where no representation is given of the other side of the argument as regards the damage that these drugs do. The links between ADHD `patient` - actually parent -
groups and the manufacturers themselves have been exposed in both the US and UK.
Further information on ADHD drugs, which are now quite scandalously being pushed at children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder through the SIGN (Scottish national clinical) guidelines, is available within the Autism Rights Briefing Paper:-
http://www.autismrig
hts.org.uk/BriefingP
aperIndex.html
and also this papers weblinks, specifically:-
http://www.autismrig
hts.org.uk/ChemicalC
ontrol.html
I rather suspect that much of the 20% increase in the use of these drugs is because of the publication in June of this year of the SIGN guidelines on Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When SIGN published its guidelines on ADHD, which recommended the use of Ritalin and other drugs, their prescription shot through the roof. ASD is a disability, and drugs should not be used as a chemical cosh on disabled children. If children with ASD received the medical and educational services that they need, behavioural problems would be minimal - and often less than `neurotypical` children.
The damage being done to the developing bodies and brains of children through the use of these drugs is as tragic as the passivity that too many adults require of children who often merely need more physical exercise and better or more specialised educational provision.
Aside from a better diet and more physical exercise, there are other medical interventions providing much more satisfactory outcomes than doping children with dangerous drugs. See the following websites for more information:-
http://www.tees.ac.u
k/schools/SSSL/cactu
s/index.cfm - Cactus Clinic - director is Dave Woodhouse
www.durhamtrial.org
http://www.fabresear
ch.org/
http://www.ness-foun
dation.org.uk/
http://www.hacsg.org
.uk/NEWS.htm - a good support group for families with children who are hyperactive or given the ADHD label.
This article quotes Sophie Dow, who set up Mindroom, with which Professor Chris Gillberg is closely associated. If you read the following BMJ article, you'll get an idea how scientific empires and reputations can be built on what can only be described as scientific fraud.
Gillberg shredded the raw data from his own research, presumably to cover his tracks on his research on DAMP, a `disorder` discovered by himself. Pity the UK doesn't have these kind of laws against scientific fraud or malfeasance.
http://bmj.bmjjourna
ls.com/cgi/content/f
ull/331/7510/180-f
* Gillberg fined by Swedish court
Of course, fraud is not a victimless crime - either for the children who are forced to take these drugs, or for those people who are refused drugs and other medical treatment because of cost-cutting. The health service has some seriously skewed priorities.
Some good comments above - I'm glad to see that people are not taken in by the self-interest of pharmaceutical companies or the empire-building of sectors within the medical profession.
ADHD is a label - not a diagnosis. It covers a whole range of sometimes overlapping problems, from bad parenting or teaching, through nutritional deficiency because of poor diet or an unrecognised health problem, to undiagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Societal breakdown also plays its part.
The claims of the drug lobbyists re. differences in the brains of children with ADHD is extremely contentious and is outrightly disputed by psychiatrists such as Peter Breggin in the US, and many others:-
http://www.breggin.c
om/
The reality is that there are a growing number of studies that show that these drugs damage and atrophy the developing brain of a child. Even the manufacturers labels tell us that they produce fatal and near-fatal effects on the heart. The medical and political establishments should stop promulgating these distortions and the fraudulent claims for the efficacy of these drugs, and the media should stop churning out articles where no representation is given of the other side of the argument as regards the damage that these drugs do. The links between ADHD `patient` - actually parent -
groups and the manufacturers themselves have been exposed in both the US and UK.
Further information on ADHD drugs, which are now quite scandalously being pushed at children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder through the SIGN (Scottish national clinical) guidelines, is available within the Autism Rights Briefing Paper:-
http://www.autismrig
hts.org.uk/BriefingP
aperIndex.html
and also this papers weblinks, specifically:-
http://www.autismrig
hts.org.uk/ChemicalC
ontrol.html
I rather suspect that much of the 20% increase in the use of these drugs is because of the publication in June of this year of the SIGN guidelines on Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When SIGN published its guidelines on ADHD, which recommended the use of Ritalin and other drugs, their prescription shot through the roof. ASD is a disability, and drugs should not be used as a chemical cosh on disabled children. If children with ASD received the medical and educational services that they need, behavioural problems would be minimal - and often less than `neurotypical` children.
The damage being done to the developing bodies and brains of children through the use of these drugs is as tragic as the passivity that too many adults require of children who often merely need more physical exercise and better or more specialised educational provision.
Aside from a better diet and more physical exercise, there are other medical interventions providing much more satisfactory outcomes than doping children with dangerous drugs. See the following websites for more information:-
http://www.tees.ac.u
k/schools/SSSL/cactu
s/index.cfm - Cactus Clinic - director is Dave Woodhouse
www.durhamtrial.org
http://www.fabresear
ch.org/
http://www.ness-foun
dation.org.uk/
http://www.hacsg.org
.uk/NEWS.htm - a good support group for families with children who are hyperactive or given the ADHD label.
This article quotes Sophie Dow, who set up Mindroom, with which Professor Chris Gillberg is closely associated. If you read the following BMJ article, you'll get an idea how scientific empires and reputations can be built on what can only be described as scientific fraud.
Gillberg shredded the raw data from his own research, presumably to cover his tracks on his research on DAMP, a `disorder` discovered by himself. Pity the UK doesn't have these kind of laws against scientific fraud or malfeasance.
http://bmj.bmjjourna
ls.com/cgi/content/f
ull/331/7510/180-f
* Gillberg fined by Swedish court
Of course, fraud is not a victimless crime - either for the children who are forced to take these drugs, or for those people who are refused drugs and other medical treatment because of cost-cutting. The health service has some seriously skewed priorities.
Posted by: Fiona Sinclair, Ayrshire on 11:47pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote]quote[/quote] Dr Chris Steer, a paediatric neurologist with NHS Fife
- doubtless this person is part of the reason why Fife has the highest rate of prescription of ADHD drugs of any health board in Scotland
quote
Dr Chris Steer, a paediatric neurologist with NHS Fife
- doubtless this person is part of the reason why Fife has the highest rate of prescription of ADHD drugs of any health board in Scotland
Posted by: Peter on 12:26am Thu 20 Dec 07
Brandnames of methylphenidate are
[bold]Concerta, - Methyline, - Metadate, - Ritalin[/bold]
methylphenidylacetat
e hydrochloride
Brandnames of methylphenidate are
Concerta, - Methyline, - Metadate, - Ritalin
methylphenidylacetat
e hydrochloride
Posted by: Riuss on 12:57am Thu 20 Dec 07
[quote]Alarming rise in children treated for [bold]ADHD[/bold] [/quote]
THE DISORDER [bold]ADHD[/bold] WAS INVENTED AND PROMOTED TO CREATE A HIGHLY PROFITABLE MARKET FOR THE DRUG RITALIN.
DR BREGGIN WAS THE MEDICAL CONSULTANT FOR SEVERAL OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS THAT WERE DISMISSED OR WITHDRAWN BEFORE THEY WENT TO TRIAL.
Alarming rise in children treated for ADHD
THE DISORDER
ADHD WAS INVENTED AND PROMOTED TO CREATE A HIGHLY PROFITABLE MARKET FOR THE DRUG RITALIN.
DR BREGGIN WAS THE MEDICAL CONSULTANT FOR SEVERAL OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS THAT WERE DISMISSED OR WITHDRAWN BEFORE THEY WENT TO TRIAL.
Posted by: Maddie, Dorset on 9:49pm Fri 21 Dec 07
Some of you on here should consider reading the researched materials and related papers on ADHD from experts in this field before making comment on parents and their parenting abilities relating to their child/s behaviour.
Many parents of children diagnosed as having ADHD have gone through years of using star/reward charts, changing diet, behaviour management, parenting classes etc, etc prior to a diagnosis.
It is not just a case of walking into the GP and requesting a prescription for 'whatever' medications or a diagnosis. Many of these children have also been missed in relation to co-morbid conditions associated with their ADHD until well into their teens and even adulthood. Far too many children and young people are being failed by the very system set up to support them----so it's not the parents failing their children!!!
Think before many of you speak in future!
ADHD is real and not an excuse for bad behaviour!
Some of you on here should consider reading the researched materials and related papers on ADHD from experts in this field before making comment on parents and their parenting abilities relating to their child/s behaviour.
Many parents of children diagnosed as having ADHD have gone through years of using star/reward charts, changing diet, behaviour management, parenting classes etc, etc prior to a diagnosis.
It is not just a case of walking into the GP and requesting a prescription for 'whatever' medications or a diagnosis. Many of these children have also been missed in relation to co-morbid conditions associated with their ADHD until well into their teens and even adulthood. Far too many children and young people are being failed by the very system set up to support them----so it's not the parents failing their children!!!
Think before many of you speak in future!
ADHD is real and not an excuse for bad behaviour!
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