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[Nickbat]

There has been a 50% rise in England in the use of drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in six years.

Asked if there are any dangers to people who take methylphenidate drugs over a long period, Prof Kendall said: "In children, without doubt. If you take Ritalin for a year, it's likely to reduce your growth by about three-quarters of an inch.

"I think there's also increasing evidence that it precipitates self-harming behaviour in children and in the long term we have absolutely no evidence that the use of of Ritalin reduces the long-term problems associated with ADHD.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23674235

In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and medicated for ADHD is less than .5%

French child psychiatrists...view ADHD as a medical condition that has psycho-social and situational causes. Instead of treating children's focusing and behavioral problems with drugs, French doctors prefer to look for the underlying issue that is causing the child distress—not in the child's brain but in the child's social context. They then choose to treat the underlying social context problem with psychotherapy or family counseling.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201304/the-myths-adhd/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd

What are your thoughts? A 50% increase in what amounts to drugging kids left, right and centre, seems pretty appalling to me. That said, I have no direct experience of children diagnosed with ADHD, so what do I know? 

[TheBoy]

Like other "diseases" that didn't exist years ago, its obvious there will be a significant rise in the new drugs available to deal with them.

When I were a lad, the drug to deal with my misbehaviour or lack of courtesy/attention/respect was the back of dad's hand. More effective than any drug (or naughty step and other such 'dangle berries')

[Tony H]

Like other "diseases" that didn't exist years ago, its obvious there will be a significant rise in the new drugs available to deal with them.

When I were a lad, the drug to deal with my misbehaviour or lack of courtesy/attention/respect was the back of dad's hand. More effective than any drug (or naughty step and other such 'dangle berries')


Agreed 

[doz]

Don't agree with that. My lad has ADHD. We have chosen not to go the drug way but are using other ways to deal with it. Giving a slap to a child with ADHD will not make them behave it just makes them worse. I've had to listen to stupid ill informed teachers telling me my child is naughty only for him to get the right help at school and is now starting to excel in certain disciplines. Now I'm a firm believer in correct discipline and not one of these nanny state people but I've also seen the benefits of getting the correct help. Oh and by the way I was one of those children who use to get the hairy side of the hand for misbehaving or in fact one teacher use to give the edge of a ruler over the back of my hand. It set me back years at school and now I understand ADHD it's pretty clear to see I have it to. So don't go mixing up ADHD with bad behaviour they are two different things and I've seen the results of treating it wrong first hand. Fek sake Mrboy that is the most inappropriate comment I think I've ever seen you make. 

[Vamps]

There has been a 50% rise in England in the use of drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in six years.

Asked if there are any dangers to people who take methylphenidate drugs over a long period, Prof Kendall said: "In children, without doubt. If you take Ritalin for a year, it's likely to reduce your growth by about three-quarters of an inch.

"I think there's also increasing evidence that it precipitates self-harming behaviour in children and in the long term we have absolutely no evidence that the use of of Ritalin reduces the long-term problems associated with ADHD.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23674235

In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and medicated for ADHD is less than .5%

French child psychiatrists...view ADHD as a medical condition that has psycho-social and situational causes. Instead of treating children's focusing and behavioral problems with drugs, French doctors prefer to look for the underlying issue that is causing the child distress—not in the child's brain but in the child's social context. They then choose to treat the underlying social context problem with psychotherapy or family counseling.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201304/the-myths-adhd/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd

What are your thoughts? A 50% increase in what amounts to drugging kids left, right and centre, seems pretty appalling to me. That said, I have no direct experience of children diagnosed with ADHD, so what do I know? 

I do know some Kids with ADHD but, and I have not gone on any of the links, what you say the french psychologists say about it is almost EXACTLY what I would have said. In MY experience 'some' parents of unruly kids want a label / diagnosis, this then removes any 'blame' on them and now means they can also access additional benefits.......

I knew one of the first kids in Hertfordshire to be prescribed Ritalin for 'Hyperactive Disorder' in the right environment he was fine, on a slightly different line, I also knew several children who would now be diagnosed as having Autism or Aspergers who, at the time, were being classed as Emotionally or Behaviorally Disturbed.........

Go back to the late 70's early 80's ADHD, then simply described as Hyperactive was put down to the 'e' numbers in Juice, while there will be some truth in this, again, ime an excuse in some cases...........

These are my opinions only, based on my own experiences, not an argument for or against the OP or anyone else for that matter.....

[Vamps]

Don't agree with that. My lad has ADHD. We have chosen not to go the drug way but are using other ways to deal with it. Giving a slap to a child with ADHD will not make them behave it just makes them worse. I've had to listen to stupid ill informed teachers telling me my child is naughty only for him to get the right help at school and is now starting to excel in certain disciplines. Now I'm a firm believer in correct discipline and not one of these nanny state people but I've also seen the benefits of getting the correct help. Oh and by the way I was one of those children who use to get the hairy side of the hand for misbehaving or in fact one teacher use to give the edge of a ruler over the back of my hand. It set me back years at school and now I understand ADHD it's pretty clear to see I have it to. So don't go mixing up ADHD with bad behaviour they are two different things and I've seen the results of treating it wrong first hand. Fek sake Mrboy that is the most inappropriate comment I think I've ever seen you make.

I understand it can be hereditary.......

[chrisgixer]

Don't agree with that. My lad has ADHD. We have chosen not to go the drug way but are using other ways to deal with it. Giving a slap to a child with ADHD will not make them behave it just makes them worse. I've had to listen to stupid ill informed teachers telling me my child is naughty only for him to get the right help at school and is now starting to excel in certain disciplines. Now I'm a firm believer in correct discipline and not one of these nanny state people but I've also seen the benefits of getting the correct help. Oh and by the way I was one of those children who use to get the hairy side of the hand for misbehaving or in fact one teacher use to give the edge of a ruler over the back of my hand. It set me back years at school and now I understand ADHD it's pretty clear to see I have it to. So don't go mixing up ADHD with bad behaviour they are two different things and I've seen the results of treating it wrong first hand. Fek sake Mrboy that is the most inappropriate comment I think I've ever seen you make. 

Not sure that's what TB was implying. Tbh.

But, good news about your little one. It must be a relief for you both too?

[Broomies Mate]

I think the OP meant the discussion to go in the direction of whether drugs were the right or wrong treatment.

If that's the case, I can comment by saying that any chemical intended to alter brain patterns are a terrible thing.

As Doz said, there are methods which can better control people (especially the young) without turning to chemicals.

A very different scenario, but I (for unknown reason) developed quite severe Agoraphobia.  I was treated with SSRI's and became very violent and suicidal.  I finally 'cured' myself by quitting the tabs and flying half way around the world on my own and fending for myself in a foreign environment.

I'd like to add that sometimes, drugs CAN and DO help people.... Whether or not they are necessary is another matter.

[Nickbat]

I think the OP meant the discussion to go in the direction of whether drugs were the right or wrong treatment.

If that's the case, I can comment by saying that any chemical intended to alter brain patterns are a terrible thing.

As Doz said, there are methods which can better control people (especially the young) without turning to chemicals.

A very different scenario, but I (for unknown reason) developed quite severe Agoraphobia.  I was treated with SSRI's and became very violent and suicidal.  I finally 'cured' myself by quitting the tabs and flying half way around the world on my own and fending for myself in a foreign environment.

I'd like to add that sometimes, drugs CAN and DO help people.... Whether or not they are necessary is another matter.

Correct! 

[jerry]

hmmm, Ritalin aka "smarties". Our lad has aspergers and dystonia and when he was being looked at for the latter and he wasnt exactly being compliant( ) during the examination the specialist mentioned the use of this. No doubt many find benefit from the drug but a little research will lead you to some disturbing reports, not least around addiction and certainly American websites are not fans. As for all this stuff about the increase in ADHD I can only agree with Vamps -some behaviour is nature/genetic and some nurture/learnt.Sometimes its a bit of both. Regardless however the issues in behaviour are real enough whether the causes are seen as "genuine"/genetic or else down to "bad parenting" both "causes" need dealing with. Ive personally known a parent who over exaggerates their child's condition and actually makes their own child worse by the way they themselves behave and treat them and all because she wants attention for herself really and for people to feel sorry for her. I know this sounds really mean but its true, and naturally she also screws the benefits system for all she can .HOWEVER, her children are innocents in this .It is sometimes argued that the cuts to services  in schools and elsewhere (eg  funding for statements of educational needs) have been made because of the increase in claims upon them and that much of this increase is really down to "bad parenting" and is therefore not a genuine need. Doubtless many see "bad parenting" as not really being an excuse, but it IS undoubtedly a problem that needs tackling, not least because it can so easily self perpetuate and spread down generations. I know Mike has been warning about cuts in services for some time now and he's right. Sadly in our area a well respected proffessional working for Childrens Services who specializes in autism in children and supports all the local schools as well as parents/carers has seen her post made redundant and there is no-one to replace her and from personal experience I know how much she will be missed. Certainly the health service and the benefits system needed reviewing but this government's seemingly knee-jerk reactions give me the distinct impression that they really are the "Im alright Jack" so stuff everybody else lets line our own pockets a bit more coalition.

[Vamps]

hmmm, Ritalin aka "smarties". Our lad has aspergers and dystonia and when he was being looked at for the latter and he wasnt exactly being compliant( ) during the examination the specialist mentioned the use of this. No doubt many find benefit from the drug but a little research will lead you to some disturbing reports, not least around addiction and certainly American websites are not fans. As for all this stuff about the increase in ADHD I can only agree with Vamps -some behaviour is nature/genetic and some nurture/learnt.Sometimes its a bit of both. Regardless however the issues in behaviour are real enough whether the causes are seen as "genuine"/genetic or else down to "bad parenting" both "causes" need dealing with. Ive personally known a parent who over exaggerates their child's condition and actually makes their own child worse by the way they themselves behave and treat them and all because she wants attention for herself really and for people to feel sorry for her. I know this sounds really mean but its true, and naturally she also screws the benefits system for all she can .HOWEVER, her children are innocents in this .It is sometimes argued that the cuts to services  in schools and elsewhere (eg  funding for statements of educational needs) have been made because of the increase in claims upon them and that much of this increase is really down to "bad parenting" and is therefore not a genuine need. Doubtless many see "bad parenting" as not really being an excuse, but it IS undoubtedly a problem that needs tackling, not least because it can so easily self perpetuate and spread down generations. I know Mike has been warning about cuts in services for some time now and he's right. Sadly in our area a well respected proffessional working for Childrens Services who specializes in autism in children and supports all the local schools as well as parents/carers has seen her post made redundant and there is no-one to replace her and from personal experience I know how much she will be missed. Certainly the health service and the benefits system needed reviewing but this government's seemingly knee-jerk reactions give me the distinct impression that they really are the "Im alright Jack" so stuff everybody else lets line our own pockets a bit more coalition.

OK. I give in, who are you? PM quick cos at work in the morning, possibly thinking a parent......

Are you talking about EKV having to change jobs? don't leave me dangling, parent or professional give me a ring or email at work, you either know me or this is a heck of a coincidence........

[Rods2]

Unfortunately, many children have behavioural problems due to very poor diets and an inactive lifestyle. Several studies have shown big improvements when children eat fish high in Omega 3 oils.

The French approach sound much better by finding the causes of the problem, where the NHS all too often prescribe drugs to hide / suppress the symptoms as this is the cheapest way. 

[MR MISTER]

Unfortunately, many children have behavioural problems due to very poor diets and an inactive lifestyle. Several studies have shown big improvements when children eat fish high in Omega 3 oils.

The French approach sound much better by finding the causes of the problem, where the NHS all too often prescribe drugs to hide / suppress the symptoms as this is the cheapest way. 

And the chemicals in everyday objects which they are forced to inhale/ingest every day of their lives.

[TheBoy]

I do know some Kids with ADHD

Aye, me too. Rather close to home as well.

However, I think labelling people with this kind of disease/illness/whatever is a double edged sword, esp as the diagnosis doesn't appear to be conclusive, and often based on opinion.

In some cases, clearly Doz's son ("calm down, its only a commercial" ), this labelling has helped. In many others, it has simply made matters worse by giving excuses for bad behaviour, laziness and lack of respect, and excuses made by parents/teachers for, what is, often unacceptable public behaviour.

I know of normal state schools that have high proportions of kids with this (these aren't the special schools that exist for these kids), which to me smacks of bad behaviour causing bad behaviour to spread, and lazy diagnosis and poor discipline.  I mean, you can't tell me that the majority of kids in the east side of Oxford have an illness that didn't even exist 30yrs ago when I was their age?

[biggriffin]

10 pence worth.
Various studies carried out by nutritionist,have found that by feed ing children real food, little or no processed foods,lower sugar i take lack of fizzy pop,fast foos etc, and good sleep that there behaviour becomes better. When i was a lad 30 odd ago we all ate freshly made food,there wasn't any fast food joints (well chippe). Also the claiming classes have worked out that ADHD diagnosis can provide a disabled badge,careers benifits, etc so fill said kids up with energy drink,go see doctor (non uk trained), get diagnosis. As TB said 30 year ago,a few kids had it,but now it seems every little oick "has a condition".