CCHR is calling on the FDA to investigate the drugging of kids following a report on the significant increase of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) labeling.
Dangerous psychiatric drugs are being given to infants and toddlers despite the known side effects of death, homicide and suicide that are reported in older children & adults taking these medications.” — Diane Stein, President CCHR Florida
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit mental health watchdog dedicated the protection of children, is calling on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to examine the facts behind the heavy drugging of children following a recent report on the significant increase of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) labeling. [1]
The stated mission of ADHD Awareness Month is to provide information to the public based on evidence from scientific and peer-reviewed research yet there is no definitive or specific test to identify ADHD. Instead, healthcare professionals use a series of symptoms as a guideline to decide whether or not they think a child or teen has ADHD and the end result is usually a prescription for a psychiatric drug. [2] [3]
This growing trend to drug children in the United States has resulted in 8.4 million children being prescribed psychiatric drugs with more than 1 million of these children are under the age of five. [4]
“Parents are being told that their child has a ‘mental disorder’ but in fact there is no independent, valid test for ADHD nor is there any data to indicate that ADHD is due to a brain malfunction, yet the number of children being labeled with a ‘brain-disorder’ continues to climb,” stated Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida. “This is why we are calling on the FDA to investigate the heavy drugging of children in this country.”
A study conducted by the CDC showed that approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011 and the percentage being diagnosed continues to increase with 6.4 million children diagnosed in 2011. [5]
Pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom believes that the reason that children are being increasingly diagnosed with ADHD is that they are forced to stay in an upright position for hours on end and do not move nearly as much as needed. Gone are the days when children rolled down hills, climbed trees, or spun in circles. Recesses are abbreviated because of increasing academic demands. Ms. Hanscom tested several classrooms and discovered most children had very poor core strength and balance. In fact, she discovered that only one in twelve children were normal in this regard. [6]
However instead of prescribing more physical activity the psychiatric solution is to prescribe dangerous drugs. The two commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD, Ritalin and Adderall, carry Black box Warnings and side effects can include:
• Agitation
• Aggression
• mood swings
• depression
• thoughts of suicide
• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• slurred speech
• confusion
“Dangerous psychiatric drugs are being given to infants and toddlers despite the known debilitating side effects of death, homicides and suicides that are reported in older children and adults taking these medications,” stated Diane Stein. “Why is this being done despite the known risks? Because a psychiatrist prescribing drugs can make up to four times as much as one who doesn’t, and drugs prescribed for ADHD alone make billions every year. It is all about the money.” [7] [8]
Individuals are invited to visit CCHR in Hollywood at 6616 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 to learn more about the dangers associated with psychiatric drugs as well as alternatives to medication. Telephone: 323-467-4242.
About CCHR: Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHR’s mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, first brought psychiatric imprisonment to wide public notice: “Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the ‘free world’ tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of ‘mental health,” he wrote in March 1969.
For more information visit, www.cchr.org
Sources:
[1] 10 percent of American children diagnosed with ADHD, study says https://www.ajc.com/news/world/percent-american-children-diagnosed-with-adhd-study-says/c5F3rGD4Qz6StKRtIFPVbM/
[2] ADHD Awareness Month https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/coalition/
[3] ADHD in Children https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-children#1
[4] Parents: Get the Facts—Know Your Rights https://www.cchrint.org/issues/childmentaldisorders/
[5] Key Findings: Trends in the Parent-Report of Health Care Provider-Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for ADHD: United States, 2003—2011 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/key-findings-adhd72013.html
[6] Why so many kids can’t sit still in school today https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/07/08/why-so-many-kids-cant-sit-still-in-school-today/
[7] INFANTS BEING GIVEN PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS ON THE RISE http://www.cchrflorida.org/infants-being-given-psychiatric-drugs-on-the-rise/
[8] Inappropriate prescribing: Research shows that all too often, Americans are taking medications that may not work or may be inappropriate for their mental health problems. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/prescribing.aspx
