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Sometimes I come across information on the internet that blows my mind. Ray Kurzweil and his theories regarding the limitless possibility of computers was one. I went nearly insane from elaborate conspiracy theories, complete with video, about reptilian aliens controlling the United States.

After a while I became conditioned to search out other websites that debunk every fantastic story I came across. If someone is out there telling the world that John Titor was a time traveler that traveled back in time in his General Electric built time machine to retrieve an IBM 5100 computer, chances are that someone else is out there saying they're full of shit .

I bring these things up because I saw something on YouTube that really changed my perception of the universe. Here is a little background information.

Nikola Tesla was heavily influenced by the Vedas. Einstein, Galileo, Carrot Top, the list goes on and on. Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the inventor of the atomic bomb, stated that:

Oppenheimer quoted several Vedic verses during the first detonation such as:

When Oppenheimer was asked if this is the first nuclear explosion, he significantly replied:

Finally, this is what stretched my brain. It is about the Vedic universal model. It gets really good at about 6:33. You will see that the earth does not revolve around the sun according to Vedic Cosmology.

This is a great example of how perception is not necessarily reality. Just because something seems true from the angle we look at it, does not mean it is true from another angle.

The statement, “the sun revolves around the earth.” is as true as, “the earth revolves around the sun.” It just depends on where you are when you look at it.

~RC

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An analysis of the definition, diagnosis and drugs in ADD/ADHD reveals one scary fact: there are thousands of children being exposed to dangerous brain altering chemicals based on arbitrary and subjective criteria.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), "the essential feature of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development" (American Psychiatric Association, 2004). The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder is becoming more and more common. An estimated 4.6 million American children have had an ADD diagnosis in their lifetime. Of those 4.6 million children, almost 59% report taking ADD prescription medication (Pastor PN, 2008). This basically means that children who have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are more impulsive and pay less attention when compared to children their own age.

The American Psychiatric Association has a lot of information about the diagnosis of the disease. There is an entire diagnosis system based on whether or not the child shows enough symptoms in 3 categories. The categories are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms associated with inattention include, not giving attention to details and making careless mistakes in schoolwork, keeping attention on tasks, does not listen when spoke to directly, trouble organizing, easily distracted and forgetful. Symptoms of hyperactivity include, fidgeting with hands or feet, squirming in seat while sitting is expected, excessive running and climbing when inappropriate, can’t play quietly and excessive talking. Impulsivity symptoms include blurting out answers to questions that have not been finished, trouble waiting in a line, often interrupting or intruding in behavior. In order for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD to be made 6 of the inattention symptoms need to persist for 6 months “to a point that is inappropriate for developmental level.” The American Psychiatric Association also says a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is appropriate if the child shows 6 of the symptoms between the categories of hyperactivity and impulsivity that persist “to a point that is inappropriate for developmental level” (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). In order for a diagnosis for ADD/ADHD to be justified some of the symptoms must have been present in the child before the age of 7. Also, there must be evidence of impairment of functioning in 2 settings. Finally it is important to consider if the symptoms are presenting within the course of another psychological disorder like schizophrenia or anxiety disorder.

There are three main types of ADHD. There is the predominantly inattentive type, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type and the combined type (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The predominantly inattentive type is categorized by difficulty in organizing and finishing tasks and paying attention to details. The person is easily distracted and has difficulty following conversations and remembering details of daily routines. The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type is characterized by nervous behavior. The person will have a hard time staying still. Other traits of the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type are feelings of restlessness, problems with impulsivity, social difficulty because of interruption or speaking at inappropriate times. The combined type is when symptoms of both types present equally.

The common treatment for ADD/ADHD is medication. Early medication was Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate. Ritalin was first synthesized in 1944 (Center For Substance Abuse Research). Early experiments with Ritalin on rats found the drug made the rats easier to manage and more focused. The drug began human testing in 1954 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The drug was initially used to treat Mohr’s Syndrome. Mohr’s syndrome causes central nervous system malformations like a forked tongue, cleft palate and enlarged roof of the mouth. By 1957 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010), Ritalin was being used to treat a vast array of illnesses. Ritalin was prescribed to offset the effects of other drugs. It was also used to treat depression, psychosis, chronic fatigue and narcolepsy. In the 60’s (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010), Ritalin was used to treat barbiturate overdose. There was even a tonic that was sold called Ritonic. Ritonic was basically a mixture of vitamins and Ritalin that promised to improve vitality and mood. Studies on the therapeutic value of the drug began in the 50’s and continued throughout the 60’s (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). It was decided that the drug could be used to treat “hyperkinetic disorder” which would later be called Attention Deficit Disorder.

In 1996, a new “miracle drug” came on the market known as Adderall. Adderall is also used to treat Narcolepsy, treatment resistant depression and exogenous obesity. Adderall is the brand name. The drug is composed of amphetamine salts like dextroamphetamine sulfate which are considered extremely addictive. Adderall however, is marketed as a safe substitute to Ritalin because Adderall has been shown to have fewer side effects. Adderall is also more potent in lower doses than Ritalin. Adderall also lasts longer than Ritalin.

Ritalin and Adderall work like cocaine. The drugs increase the activity of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with behavior and pleasure. The idea with this is that ADD/ADHD brain has a problem with its attention circuitry. Ritalin is supposed to stimulate that circuitry by increasing the dopamine activity in the mesolimbic reward pathway.

Because of the effects of drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, there is always a risk of abuse. Adderall and Ritalin have been abused for their performance enhancing qualities for decades. In 2008, Duke University did a study and found that 90% of their students had used ADD/ADHD medication (Rabiner, 2008). The more interesting part of the study is the reason they took the drug. They took the drug to help them academically and not to get high. 70% of the users found the drug to be effective and 25% of the users experience side effects. The study also showed that the users were predominantly white, belonged to a campus fraternity or sorority and also likely to engage in other risky or illegal behavior (Rabiner, 2008).

There has been controversy surrounding the safety of Adderall. In February 2005, Canada suspended sales of the drug Adderall for about 6 months. This was in response to children in the United States dying suddenly unexplainably. The company responded by saying that 5 of those deaths were children with known heart defects. 1 of the children was exercising in 110 degree heat when he died, and 2 more had extremely high levels of the drug in their system indicating an overdose. The company maintains the drug is safe when used according to a physician’s instruction in people without heart defects. In August later that same year, Canada allowed sales of the drug to continue with a warning that the drug should not be used by people with heart defects.

Scientists at the University of Buffalo, New York have discovered that Ritalin may have long term effects long after the drug leaves the body. Research suggests that the drug has the potential to cause changes in brain function and structure. The changes in the brain Ritalin cause are similar to the changes caused by cocaine. High doses of cocaine and amphetamine alter the way nerve cells work by turning on certain genes in the brain. One of these genes is called c-fos and is associated with motivation and movement. The scientists discovered more of the gene in rats that were given Ritalin than the control group of rats that were not given Ritalin (Derbyshire, 2001).

Drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are amphetamines. High amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can result in insomnia, fatigue, depression, and irritability when usage abruptly stops. Amphetamine Psychosis is a risk of Amphetamine use. This condition can cause hyperthermia, diarrhea, restlessness, dilated pupils, sleep deprivation, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. The biggest downside to these ADD/ADHD drug is that they are addictive.

Stimulants are not the only drug treatment for ADD/ADHD. There are non-stimulant medications for the disorder that have been shown to have fewer side effects. The non-stimulant drugs include Strattera, approved for use in 2003, for adults and children and Intuniv for children ages 6-17. The non-stimulant drugs have a whole list of side effects of their own. Side effects of Strattera include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, mood swings and decreased appetite. Common side effects from Intuniv are fatigue, headache, abdominal pain and sleeplessness (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010).

New research indicates that ADD/ADHD may be extremely over-diagnosed. Psychecentral.com did a story in 2010 about the research.

There are treatments for ADD/ADHD that do not include drugs. Behavioral therapy is used to treat the disorder. Behavioral therapy for ADD/ADHD includes creating a routine, organization, avoiding distractions, limiting choices, discipline, using goals and rewards, changing interaction style with the child. This is basically an attempt to provide the child with structure.

Mark Ritter, M.D., was quoted as saying, “Stimulants have been the tried and true medication for ADHD since the 1950s. They have a long track record of being safe and effective” (Food Consumer, 2011). This view of the drug is naïve. Ritalin has only been in use since the 1970’s and more widely used only since 1980. Adderall has only been available since 1997. It is arrogant to say that these drugs have been proven safe. There is new research being done every year.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder drugs are not worth the risk. ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurobehavioral disorders. According to the Center for Disease Control, “approximately 9.5% or 5.4 million children 4-17 years of age have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, as of 2007” (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). It’s getting worse. The CDC reports that the percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis increased 22% between the years of 2003 and 2007 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2010).

The diagnosis of this disorder is based on symptoms that apply to all children and is not to be taken seriously. What should be taken seriously is that the drugs used in the treatment of ADD/ADHD. These drugs resemble cocaine and amphetamines in their short term and long term effects. It is naïve to say that Ritalin and Adderall are safe drugs when they resemble street drugs. Research indicates that the disorder is over-diagnosed at a rate of 85%. It is important to understand that over-diagnosis of the disease leads to a lot of children being exposed to powerful drugs without cause. There are treatments for the disorder that just resemble good parenting. It is also very important to point out that the drug Ritalin was created before they knew what to use it to treat. There was not a disorder called ADHD when Ritalin was first synthesized. Even the non-stimulant ADHD drugs have dangerous side effects. Children should not be subjected to dangerous drugs because of their inattention, hyperactivity or impulsiveness.

Works Cited

American Psychiatric Association. (2004). American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Center For Substance Abuse Research. (n.d.). Ritalin. Retrieved December 26th, 2011, from University Of Maryland: http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/ritalin.asp

Center of Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, November 12). Increasing Prevalence of Parent-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children United States, 2003 and 2007. Retrieved Dec 7, 2011, from Center of Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5944a3.htm?s_cid=mm5944a3_w

Derbyshire, D. (2001, November 12). Ritalin may have 'long-term side effects'. Retrieved December 7, 2011, from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1362168/Ritalin-may-have-long-term-side-effects.html

Food Consumer. (2011, November 16). How Do You Know If Your Child Has ADHD? Retrieved December 7, 2011, from Food Consumer: http://researchpaperstar.com/blog/research_paper/cacnclsn

Pastor PN, R. (2008). Diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disability. In Vital Health Stat. Vol. 10. United States: National Center for Health Statistics.

sych Central News Editor. (2010, September 30). Genetic Link Found For ADHD. Retrieved December 26, 2011, from psychcentral.com: http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/09/29/genetic-link-found-for-adhd/18956.html

Rabiner, D. L. (2008). Motives and Perceived Consequences of Nonmedical ADHD Medication Use by College Students: Are Students Treating Themselves for Attention Problems? Journal of Attention Disorders.

~RC

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