Ritalin (methylphenidate)
is one of the commonly prescribed drugs used to treat ADD or ADHD. When it is
effective, it is very useful as the child/adult appears to be able to concentrate
better and the hyperactive child is able to calm down.
Often the solution is thought to be to medicate
children and even adults that display symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Even
though Ritalin has been used since 1957 to treat children and adults, Ritalin
still includes the warning statement; Long term effects of this medication have
not been tested (Center for Substance Abuse Research, CESAR, 2009). In truth
the effects of Ritalin have only been tested on children and adults for the
last decade.
The new technology of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(FMRI), has been used to monitor the effects of Ritalin on children.
Looking
at an FMRI scan it is obvious that not only is Ritalin stimulating the
necessary part of the brain of the ADHD child, it is stimulating the entire
brain unnecessarily. In the child who does not have ADHD the scan shows that
Ritalin actually slows the brain activity. The increased activity in the
frontal lobes of the child suspected of having ADHD is three times as much as
the child who does not have the disorder.
Only medicating children or even adults without
addressing the cause of their symptoms which may be due to neurophysiology,
diet, home, school, or work environment the desired effects may only last in
the short term. The most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD is
a combination of dietary intervention, medication, the necessary
supplementation, neurofeedback training and therapy and/or counselling to learn
coping skills and adaptive behaviours.
*NEVER stop taking
Ritalin or other drugs without first consulting your doctor.
Contact us for more information on ADD and ADHD
info@addlab.co.za
011 888 9334
www.addlab.co.za
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