Are there alternatives to ADHD treatment?

I write with a deep sense of alarm at how many parents I meet who feel they are being forced by schools into medicating their children for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The most common ingredient in ADHD, methylphenidate, found in Ritalin and Conserta, is portrayed as a benign, mild substance that helps kids focus but in reality there is an abundance of scientific literature which indicates that methylphenidate is anything but harmless.
Studies show that instances of drug abuse doubled in children on methylphenidate and that exposure to it makes the brain more susceptible to the addictive power of cocaine. The U S Drug Enforcement Administration says it’s “closely related to cocaine”. As a society we try to stop children from doing drugs yet a child labelled with ADHD is prescribed powerful mind-altering drugs.
Methylphenidate has been shown over time to damage the cardiovascular system to such an extent that it can lead to death. In one tragic instance, a 14-year-old boy with no pre-existing heart conditions or defects died of a heart attack. His death certificate read, “Death caused from long term use of methylphenidate.” It can stunt your child’s growth – not just the body’s growth but potentially the growth of the brain too.
Statistics also show that one third of all children on these medications develop symptoms of obsessive-compulsive behaviour within the first year. It can also affect appetite, cause headaches and  depression. It can cause liver damage, seizures, dermatoses, eczema, urinary tract infection, stomach problems, dizziness and tics.
To make matters worse, there’s no scientific test to prove that ADHD even exists. In fact, the United Nations Committee on Rights of the Child has warned governments against the diagnosis of ADHD and the need for alternatives to the stimulants prescribed to treat it.
So what can parents do?
Firstly, parents need to be informed. Secondly get in touch with other parents going through the same thing – Facebook groups are great for this. Third, don’t be afraid to stand up to ‘authority’ for the sake of your child.
Alternatively, the schools should be more adaptive: most parents agree that our current schooling system is less than ideal for naturally active kids who are forced to sit and concentrate for long stretches at a time. Some overseas schools have regular exercise breaks – a drug-free solution.
As for parents who feel their kids really do need help, there are alternatives to methylphenidate available.
There is a wealth of information online and plenty of doctors who are aware of the dangers of these medications and who support more holistic strategies. As one mom described her experience going the natural route, “It’s not a quick fix. It’s a journey but one that has achievable goals.”
Surely it’s time schools stopped focusing purely on academic performance and obedience and started valuing the long term health, happiness and well-being of our children too?

KELLY MCQUE
Chaka’s Rock