However, with the known side effects of these drugs and without knowledge or evidence of long-term results on growth and development, is medication really the best option?

Parents should know that the psychostimulants normally prescribed for ADD/ADHD help all people -- with or without an ADD/ADHD diagnosis -- to focus attention more easily, depending on the dose.

However, these drugs are not without serious risk.  Between the years of 1990-2000, over 569 children were hospitalized, 38 of them were life-threatening hospitalizations, and 186 died from Ritalin.

It is well known that psychostimulants have abuse potential.  Very high doses of psychostimulants, particularly of amphetamines, may cause central nervous system damage, cardiovascular damage, and hypertension.  In addition, high doses have been associated with compulsive behaviors and, in certain vulnerable individuals, movement disorders.  There is a rare percentage of children and adults treated at high doses who have hallucinogenic responses.  Drugs used for ADHD other than psychostimulants have their own adverse reactions: tricyclic antidepressants may induce cardiac arrhythmias, bupropion at high doses can cause seizures, and pemoline is associated with liver damage.  (Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, National Institute of Health)

Many parents do not realize that if their child takes Ritalin or other psychostimulant medication past the age of 12, according to the 1999 Military Recruitment Manual, that child may not join the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard until after a doctor has signed a paper stating that the person has been off the medication for four years.

Also, if a child uses Ritalin or other psychostimulant medication, the state or federal government cannot hire him or her if the job involves state secrets or national security, because that child is a Class 2 drug user.

If a child uses Ritalin or other psychostimulant medication, some insurance companies will turn down that child for being a Class 2 drug user, and may even turn down the entire family.  Other health insurance companies will raise rates and write in a pre-existing condition clause, excluding some coverage for the ADD/ADHD child.

Psychostimulant medication are drugs that are commonly abused.  Some unprescribed users of Adderall, an amphetamine, and methylphenidate, more widely known as Ritalin, are adults.  But experts say many are young people, as young as 11, who get the drugs from peers being treated for ADD.  Users often crush the pills and snort them to get a cocaine-like rush, as these drugs and cocaine have more similarities than differences.

Students who take ADD/ADHD medication are often asked to sell or trade their drugs, and many know students who have given away or sold their medication.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a study of students in Wisconsin and Minnesota showed 34% of ADHD youth, ages 11-18, report being approached to sell or trade their medicines, such as Ritalin.

There are so many concerns surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of ADD/ADHD that parents must be knowledgeable and cautious.  It is usually the school that approaches parents to have an assessment for ADD/ADHD and parents often feel pressured in having the traditional drug treatment to 'correct' their child's behavior.

NEXT:  ADD/ADHD & School

ADHD drug use for youth obesity raises ethical questions ~ Doctor uses ADHD drug -- Adderall, an amphetamine -- to treat childhood obesity.

ADHD:  Homeopathic Therapies ~ A listing of homeopathic remedies and a brief summary of how each might be applied to children with ADHD or ADHD behaviors.

Amphetamine-Related Psychiatric Disorders ~ Prescription amphetamines are used frequently in children and adolescents to treat ADHD, and they are the most commonly prescribed medications in children.  The dose of Adderall needed to produce toxicity and psychiatric symptoms in a child is as low as 2 mg.

Attention deficit disorder and your health insurance ~ ADHD is typically regarded as a mental health condition, and a health plan's mental health coverage benefits and limits apply to any ADHD treatment.

Biofeedback Aids Kids with ADHD ~ A study found that a year of medication and counseling helped relieve ADHD symptoms in a group of children, but only the children who also received biofeedback therapy maintained that improvement after going off medication.

Chemical Straitjackets for Children ~ In the case of ADHD, the author says that the diagnosis is a judgment -- not a disease.

Confirming the Hazards of Stimulant Drug Treatment ~ It is time to recognize that the supposedly increasing rates of "schizophrenia," "depression," and "bipolar disorder" in children in North America are often the direct result of treatment with psychiatric drugs.  They should be classified as adverse drug reactions, not as primary psychiatric disorders.

Death from Ritalin ~ This site tells the story of 14-year-old Matthew Smith's death from long-time use of Ritalin as treatment for ADHD.  ALSO READ Ritalin maker sued over girl's death.

Deceptive Statements Revealed ~ This letter, written by 11 psychologists/members, refutes three deceptive statements made by the American Psychological Association in their brochure on ADHD.  They asked that the brochure be revised before being released to the public.  Their letter was ignored.

Drugging Our Kids ~ Despite the dangers posed by drugs such as Ritalin, some schools are threatening parents with child abuse charges if they refuse to drug their children.

A Few Simple Truths About ADHD and Stimulant Drugs ~ Doctors, mental health professionals, and educators often say things about ADHD that are unproven.  These same professionals often say things about drugs that are supposed to treat "ADHD" that are not true.  This brochure reveals and responds to six common lies or misleading statements you might be told.

Hugs, Not Drugs ~ Unlike drugs, the alternative approaches typically enhance learning, build self-esteem, promote overall health, encourage self-reliance and have no side effects. They do not so much seek to make children more "manageable," as to make it easier for children to manage the challenges and opportunities life brings them.  Excellent article.

Medication Guides for Treating ADHD ~ As the parent or guardian of a child or teen-ager with ADHD, a physician seeking more information, or as a patient yourself, you should be aware of the recent decisions by the FDA to attach a cautionary label, or "black box warning," to medications used to treat ADHD.