Posted by Elizabeth on September 26, 2001, at 16:11:01
In reply to overmedicated-elizabeth, posted by gracey on September 26, 2001, at 10:32:55
> We cannot always assume that stimulants or any other drugs are safe. The largest percentage of psychotropic drugs have never been tested on children, including Ritalin.
Ritalin has been tested in children. I don't know what you mean by "testing" if you don't think that "studies" count. Ritalin and other stimulants have been in use for decades in childhood ADD, and more recently in adult ADD.
> Studies, maybe, but that is hardly the same thing, nor is it used as a method of approval for children under FDA guidelines.
Umm...what sort of information do *you* think the FDA uses in deciding whether a medication should be approved for a particular indication?
(From the labelling for Ritalin: "Methylphenidate hydrochloride is indicated as an integral proof of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate-to-severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability and impulsivity. The diagnosis of this syndrome should not be made with finality when these symptoms are only of comparatively recent origin." In other words, it's indicated for ADD *in children*.)
> As I stated previously, as a consenting adult, if you feel this route has improved your life, I think thats great. I am speaking up for the children. My child could have died from what she went thru, and I owe that to her, to speak out.
I first took psychiatric medication when I was 14. My parents and I gave our informed consent. And I felt it was helpful (certainly, it wasn't harmful). If anything, I wish that I'd been able to get help sooner. So, no, you're not speaking for "the children." Maybe you're speaking for one particular child, although I would be more impressed to hear about her experience from *her*.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:79542
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010917/msgs/79661.html