AD(H)D Drug Treatments Scientific Research: What We Know So Far

ADHD Drugs do not improve Academic Performance (Center of Oregon Health & Science University - 2,287 studies were reviewed on ADHD). In September 2005, the evidence based Practice Center of Oregon Health & Science University published a report in which 2,287 studies virtually every study conducted on ADHD drugs was reviewed. The study results showed that no study trial had shown the effectiveness of these drugs and that there was lack of evidence that they could affect “academic performance”, social achievements and risky behaviors.

No Scientific evidence that Ritalin is effective (Children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario & Univ. Ottawa meta-analysis Study, 62 studies). A meta-analysis of 62 studies of Ritalin treatment involved close to 3,000 participants for Attention Deficit Disorder. A team of Canadian researchers said it found very little scientific evidence that the drug lives up to its reputation and discovered that studies have played down the negative side-effects and role of placebos. The meta-analysis study included studies conducted over an 18 year span.

Ritalin causes Genetic Damage, Cancer (Univ. Texas). Researchers at the University of Texas found that just after 3 months every child in the study treated for ADHD with the drug methylphenidate experienced a THREEFOLD INCREASE IN CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES. Methylphenidate is the generic name for a group of drugs that includes Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD & others.

Stimulants permanently alter animal’s brains – results in learned helplessness. An animal study showed rats exposed to Ritalin as juveniles showed large increases in learned –helplessness behavior- a lessened ability to deal with stressful situations.