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Focusing On Ritalin

Understanding the Method Behind the Medicine

Part Two

By Donna Smith

Pantley does believe that ADD and ADHD are real disorders for some children, and that Ritalin can be helpful for them. "However, by teaching even these children to rely on medication to fit into society is, I fear, sending the wrong message. We are teaching them that for the rest of their lives that they must use medication as a crutch, and basically telling them that they do not have within them the ability to handle life on their own."

Could diet, environment and discipline play a roll in dealing with hard-to-handle children? "I do believe that the vast majority of children's behavioral problems can be resolved by improving on the child's diet, environment and, most of all, by implementing thoughtful, consistent and positive discipline in the home and at school," says Pantley. "In this way the child can learn how to develop self-control and self-discipline that he can rely on for the rest of his life."

When Ritalin made Joyce's son act like a "zombie," she and her husband started searching for alternatives. They discovered that excess sugar could cause some behavior problems.

"We knew that Stephen consumed lots of soda and candy," says Joyce. "Whenever we'd move the couch to clean, there would be dozens and dozens of candy wrappers and soda cans. I remember once at a football game Stephen was in a relatively calm mood, but then after he drank a soda, he became extremely hyper." Joyce put her whole family on a low-sugar, low-fat diet to try to help her son. "Of all the attempted cures, this one seemed to work the best."

Jenny Lewis believes a careful assessment of the school and class environment should be made before putting a child on any medication. She also encourages counseling for the child and the family. "Even when Ritalin is used, it should never be used without educational intervention and counseling alongside," she says.

Dr. Fay believes other alternatives can be tried, but feels a child with ADHD will also need medication. "There are some behavioral techniques which can be tried, but in a child who truly has ADHD, they are unlikely to be effective without medication. Such things as a structured environment, clear but obtainable goals, and positive reinforcement can help. There are other medications -- Dextramphetamine, Pemoline (Cylert), Clonidine (Catapres), and the tricyclic antidepressants -- which are effective, but none are as safe as Ritalin."

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