Daily Mail Online
Child victims of the chemical cosh: Boy who killed himself after taking Ritalin
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UK: Boy on Ritalin and Prozac kills himself
UK: Now babies have ADD!
Guardian, UK
Research on babies may identify problems early More
UK: 70 per cent Increase in Prescribing ADHD Drugs
Daily Mail Online
'Chemical cosh' boom: Demand for ADHD drugs soars 70% in five years
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UK: Lying about ADHD to claim disability benefits
BBC
Unscrupulous parents seek ADHD diagnosis for benefits
Adrian Goldberg
Head teachers claim stimulants are being over-prescribed to young children, who they suspect are not sufferers of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They say unscrupulous parents of troubled youngsters are pushing for an ADHD diagnosis to claim disability benefits.
"Susan" has asked to remain anonymous, because she knows what she says is controversial and does not want to stigmatise the parents of every child with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The suspected false diagnoses that concern Susan mean children can end up on powerful drugs, such as Ritalin, even if they do not have ADHD.
"I think parents are very well aware of how the system works, in terms of obtaining the drugs for their children, and the monetary gains that they get through a diagnosis."
The suspected false diagnoses that concern Susan mean children can end up on powerful drugs, such as Ritalin, even if they do not have ADHD.
She told the 5 live Investigates programme: "Some parents will exaggerate what exactly is happening at home, particularly in terms of aggressive behaviour, violent behaviour, breaking furniture and so on, in order to get a care allowance."
"Sarah", another head teacher, also believes that some parents lie to medical professionals in order to get a diagnosis, and the chance to apply for extra benefits.
She told the 5 live Investigates programme: "Some parents will exaggerate what exactly is happening at home, particularly in terms of aggressive behaviour, violent behaviour, breaking furniture and so on, in order to get a care allowance." More More
UK: Genius related to ADHD, Autism
BBC
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder link to genius
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USA: One in five highschool students abuse prescription drugs
USA TODAY
CDC: 1 in 5 high school students abuse prescription drugs
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USA: Drug testing in highschool doesn't seem to accomplish much
USA TODAY
High school drug testing shows no long-term effect on use
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UK/USA: They are called "educational" or "smart" drugs now!
The Guardian
Are 'smart drugs' safe for students?
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UK/USA: "Smart drugs" OK for students?
The Guardian
Universities told to consider dope tests as student use of 'smart drugs' soars
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USA: More "disorders" discovered
New York Times
Revising Book on Disorders of the Mind
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Comments
in the absence of real support parents have little choice but to give in to the pressures to drug their children. Parents should not be blamed for this. They should be given support and meaningful alternatives.