Talking Back to Ritalin (Revised edition)

What doctors aren't telling you about stimulants and ADHD

Peter R.Breggin

Any article, or book, about Ritalin usually begins by describing it as >this controversial drug=. And Dr Breggin, a psychiatrist, does not mince words and from the start speaks out against giving any stimulants (disguised as medicines) to control the behaviour of children. His work has increased public awareness of the escalating use of stimulant drugs for kids.

This revised edition of Talking Back to Ritalin was recommended for review to me by several parents, and I urge any mother or father, either pro or anti medication for their child, to read this book.

Breggin is prepared to speak out anywhere at any time against, in his view, harmful medication, and he goes to great lengths to show that the condition >ADHD= does not exist. Although I am sure many parents will disagree with this. He believes that youngsters who are seen as hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive, in other words nearly all children labelled ADHD, are best approached as children in conflict with parents and teachers.

He also holds that some of the stimulant drugs frequently prescribed cause agitation (a state of tension and anxiety often accompanied by hyperactivity) and that drug-induced agitation looks very much like >ADHD=. And this is aggravated if there are side effects to the drug, and as so often other medication is prescribed for depression or to aid sleep problems which have developed. He believes that >ADHD= is not a real disease or disorder, and thinks that it is up to parents, teachers and other caregivers to take their children back from the health professionals who are pushing drugs on children.

There is no doubt that many children are stressed today, and Breggin believes that it is for us as adults to find the cause of their distress. It is not that he blames parents for what is happening, but professionals for taking over the care of our children. Breggin sees his role as helping parents overcome their feelings of guilt about their children=s behaviour, and to find other ways of helping their child.

Many parents will appreciate the chapter on ‘What to do when the teacher says your child has ADHD’ - so, if you are undecided about medicating your child, or are violently opposed to Breggin=s views, there is still a great deal to think about when reading Talking Back to Ritalin.

© Jill Curtis 2002

Perseus Publishing

$16.50     $24.95   ISBN: 0738205443

and is available from

For more about this subject click here to see jill's book
Does Your Child Have a Hidden Disability?