ADHD is a neurologically based syndrome characterized by hyperactivity, distractibili

The most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD are psycho-stimulants such as Ritalin, the long term side effects of which are unknown. Some say that because these medications do not stay in the body for long, there are no long term side effects – but that is not known for sure (Australian Parents 17). Information from a 1999 workshop on the long term effects of stimulant medication from the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that the effects of stimulant medication for ADHD children has been documented up to about 2 years of treatment, but they “have not conclusively addressed the long term effects of stimulant treatment of ADHD on important outcomes such as rate of psychopathology, incidence of substance abuse and dependence, antisocial behavior, accidents, educational achievement, social adjustment, and occupational status.” Such information is essential due to the many developmental changes children experience while being treated with stimulants such as Ritalin. In addition, an animal study on Ritalin has indicated that the drug may have a weak potential to cause cancer. Further studies are needed to be certain of the long term outcomes and effects of stimulants. It is known that these mind-altering drugs can dramatically affect behavior, have a high potential for abuse, and some of the side effects listed by Dixie Farley in FDA Consumer Magazine can include nervousness, difficulty sleeping, and appetite loss. Less common side effects are skin rash, nausea, dizziness, headache, weight loss, and blood pressure changes. Stimulant medications have a very high potential to be abused, making it necessary for the Drug Enforcement Administration to strongly regulate their manufacture, prescription, and distribution. Prescription refills are not even allowed, the child must be seen each time the prescription runs out. This is not a drug to be taken lightly.

The current increase in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of psycho-stimulant medications to children should be a cause for concern. While it has bee

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