Robbins, John. (1996). Hugs, Not Drugs. Reclaiming Our Health. Retrieved June 22, 2000 from the World Wide Web: http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1805
see also: http://www.mindwriting.com/Children/junkfood.html If you love me, don't feed me junk food.
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to review the research available on the subject of ADHD and the drug, Ritalin, the United States has legalized to treat this controversial disorder. The article speaks out in warning due to various diagnostic, reactionary, nutritional, and social concerns.
Methodology: Information was gathered from diverse studies including medical (side effects, diagnosis, and nutrition), educational (test scores), behavioral (deviant behavior in juvenile detention centers), and financial (medical and psychiatric funding sources).
Results: Robbins reached the conclusion that the
best policy would be to prescribe Ritalin only when all alternative / natural
therapies failed to produce results. The elimination of food additives and
preservatives coupled with an allergy screening and vitamin B6 supplements being
the first line of defense in the fight against ADHD.
Critique/Discussion: The article would have been stronger if it had eliminated the use of derogatory descriptors of Ritalin, and those involved in its production, and distribution. The research sited was ample evidence of the abuses of Ritalin in the United States. Journalism should be objective, even and especially when it is of such importance. If it fails in conveying a sense of balance it undermines its value.