Psychiatrist Discloses Ritalin’s Hidden Dangers to Children
Warning Contradicts Claims that Drug is Helpful
Ritalin decreases blood flow to the brain, and routinely causes other gross malfunctions in the developing brain of the child, reveals Peter R. Breggin, M.D., Director of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology and associate faculty at The Johns Hopkins University Department of Counseling. In his new book, Talking Back to Ritalin (Common Courage Press, 1998), Dr. Breggin thoroughly documents the many scientific studies that have been ignored by Ritalin advocates.
America’s children are being exposed to a "prescription epidemic" of dangerous, addictive stimulant drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, according to the psychiatrist, a leading critic of psychopharmaceutical practices.
"Ritalin does not correct biochemical imbalances—it causes them," Dr. Breggin says, adding that there is some evidence that it can cause permanent damage to the child’s brain and its function.
"Pediatricians, parents, and teachers are not aware of these hazards because a large body of research demonstrating the ill effects of this drug has been ignored and suppressed in order to encourage the sale of the drug," Dr. Breggin stated. Damaging effects of the drug can include:
Decreased blood flow to the brain, an effect recently shown to be caused by cocaine where it is associated with impaired thinking ability and memory loss.
Disruption of growth hormone, leading to suppression of growth in the body and brain of the child
Permanent neurological tics, including Tourette’s Syndrome
Addiction and abuse, including withdrawal reactions on a daily basis
Psychosis (mania), depression, insomnia, agitation, and social withdrawal
Possible shrinkage (atrophy) or other permanent physical abnormalities in the brain
Worsening of the very symptoms the drug is supposed to improve including hyperactivity and inattention
Decreased ability to learn
"Ritalin and other stimulants are currently prescribed to several million U.S. children in the hope of improving their supposed hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity," says Dr. Breggin. He presents evidence that these drugs "work" by producing robotic or zombie-like behavior in children. This enforced docility and obedience can produce a few weeks of subdued behavior but has no positive effect on academic achievement and no positive long-term effects at all. Contrary to claims by drug advocates, giving Ritalin to a child does not help to prevent future problems such as school failure or delinquency.
Ritalin’s lack of effectiveness has been proven by hundreds of studies but has not been revealed to doctors, teachers or parents. "Parents and teachers and even doctors have been badly misled by drug company marketing practices," Dr. Breggin says. "Drug companies have targeted children as a big market likely to boost profits—and children are suffering as a result."
Dr. Breggin describes the principles necessary to empower parents to help their children with their behavioral and school problems without resorting to drugs. He does not believe that mind-altering drugs are ever an appropriate approach to helping our children. Instead, he urges adults to learn to identify and meet the individual needs of the children in their care.
Most children receiving Ritalin have been identified for treatment by teachers who have been misled by drug company and government promotional campaigns for Ritalin and other stimulants. "Educate—don’t medicate," should be the motto of every parent or teacher who is tempted to resort to Ritalin, says Dr. Breggin.
The stimulant drugs include Ritalin (methylphenidate), Dexedrine and Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine or d-amphetamine), Adderall (D-amphetamine and amphetamine mixture), Desoxyn and Gradumet (methamphetamine), and Cylert (pemoline).
Additional information about the hazards of Ritalin and other stimulants can be found on Dr. Breggin’s web site at: http://www.breggin.com/.