Opposing editorials on the merit of using Ritalin for ADHD children.

     The use of Ritalin for sufferers of ADHD is vital. These individuals flounder without the dopamine inhibitor, which allows them to interact normally with peers and superiors alike. Without Ritalin these poor people are helpless against their brains inability to reign in every passing fancy.

     Research and anecdotal evidence is overwhelmingly in support of the careful, conscientious use of this time-tested medicine.

     Students who, in the past were a source of frustration to teachers, fellow students, and themselves have made in most cases a 180-degree turn for the better. Their ability to produce is increased, with this improvement comes the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and potential, which up until the proscription of Ritalin, was locked away inside a brain incapable of helping itself.

     Over 70% of children who take Ritalin are observed to have a significant improvement in functioning. The use of this medication has saved schools millions of dollars by reducing the time teachers and administrators have had to spend in conferences and away from other duties. Ritalin has also given classmates of sufferers the chance to learn free of constant instruction destroying interruptions.

     Rampant misuse of Ritalin is hurting our children. The United States is the only western country currently proscribing mind-altering drugs for small children. Ritalin has been proven impotent in helping children increase achievement in academics and yet more kids than ever are popping pills before school and after lunch.

     Over 1/3 of children who take Ritalin are not helped by it, in fact, these children are often rendered uncontrollable and suicidal when they are taken off the drug.

     The side effects of this societal remedy for non-conformity include: anxiety, hair loss, retardation of growth, as well as compulsive biting of the fingers and nails. Daily, children in this country take a drug free pledge, making a promise to themselves and their classmates to steer clear of drugs and alcohol due to dangerous side effects. Yet this same nation gives the nod to doctors in the writing of prescriptions for which the basic qualifying behavior seems to be all that fits underneath societal deviance.

     Studies have shown that nutrition and vitamin B6 are as effective if not more than Ritalin. The American people by and large do not know this, partially due to financial relationship between medical and psychiatry associations and food and pharmaceutical conglomerates.

Conclusion: As with most controversial issues, hyperbole from both sides serves to render the public jaded and indifferent about the entire subject. We need to stop taking ownership of our position and start thinking about the children who are caught in the middle. For some children Ritalin is the only opportunity they have for happiness. However this nation needs to see prescription drugs as a last resort for the treatment of ADHD. Limiting preservatives, additives and food dyes, as well as supplementing vitamin B6 in the diet of ADHD sufferers should be the first line of defense, Ritalin the last.