CHRIS ARDIS: Though common, ADHD meds shouldn't be taken lightly
So much has changed in education in the past 5-10 years. One drastic change has been the number of students who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition first defined by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. While any educator can tell you there are some children who definitely exhibit the characteristics of ADHD, I tend to agree with medical professionals like Dr. Peter Breggin, a psychiatrist noted for his opposition to what he calls the oppressive diagnosing and drugging of children.
It’s critical that parents know the facts about the medications prescribed for ADHD. Adderall and Dexedrine are amphetamines. Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin are methylphenidate products.
In Breggin’s radio broadcast June 15 of this year, he spo ke about a study that had just been published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. He called the study’s results “as dramatic as they are tragic.” The study found that children and young adults between the ages of 7 and 19 taking prescribed Ritalin were four to five times more likely to die of sudden unexplained cardiac arrest than children not taking it. Frightening statistics, made even more so when you consider that the study did not count children who had even minimal pre-existing heart disease, obesity, anorexia or asthma, though children in these groups have a much higher risk of stimulant-induced sudden death.
Breggin went on to say that Ritalin and Adderall often cause hypertension, which can lead to an enlarged heart. Several studies have shown that these drugs may also lead to drug addiction, psychosis and depression, stunted growth and impaired brain function.
On April 22 of last year, the Wall Street Journal announced that the American Heart Association had issued a recommendation that all children taking prescription medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera undergo a thorough heart exam and electrocardiogram. According to the article, more than 2.5 million children are taking these drugs, the number certain to have grown within the past year.
Canada suspended the sale of Adderall in February of 2005 because of the number of sudden deaths, heart attacks and strokes linked to its usage.
Recently a reader sent me the story of David Jason Stinson, a former high school football coach in Louisville, Ky. Stinson is currently on trial facing a charge of reckless homicide after one of this players, 15-year-old Max Gilpin, collapsed during f ootball practice and died three days later. The temperature the day Gilpin fell to the ground was 94 degrees, and the prosecution has insisted he died of dehydration.
However, the medical expert determined Gilpin died of heat stroke, not dehydration. It turns out Gilpin was taking Adderall, and the doctor believes this amphetamine contributed to his death.
Parents need to heed the warnings and do their own research. Diagnosing ADHD can be quite subjective. First be certain your child has this condition. Then explore all options. If you choose a prescription drug for your child, research its side effects thoroughly and monitor your child regularly. Watch for episodes of fainting, dizziness, heart palpitations or murmurs and difficulty exercising.
Know all the facts. It could save your child’s life.
Chris Ardis is a teacher with the McAllen school district. To reach her, send e-mail to cardis1022@aol.com.
