No Scientific Proof for ADD/ADHD
ADD/ADHD is a medical model that attempts to turn normal childhood behavior
and temperamental differences amongst children into a disorder.
There is no scientific proof that ADD/ADHD exists. Scientific studies
have failed to show proof of abnormalities in the brain of any child labeled
ADD/ADHD. Warnings of over-diagnosing with ADD/ADHD medications have been
issued repeatedly by the FDA because of serious adverse effects and the lack of
long-term testing.
“There are no laboratory tests that have been established as diagnostic in the clinical
assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” DSM-IV
“ADHD diagnosis is “a total fraud.” Fred Baughman, Jr., M. D., Neurology
and Child Neurology
No Scientific Testing Exists for ADD/AHD
There are no chemical or biological tests for ADHD. The only instruments used to assess
ADD/ADHD are subjective judgments, not fact. The validity of these judgments is highly
questionable because they are based on children's behavior that can change with time
and non-medication alternatives.
So What is ADD/ADHD Behavior?
Does the behavior exist? Yes. Behaviors such as hyperactivity, distractibility,
and impulsivity in children are an observable fact. But this is true because they
are among the most universal and widespread behaviors found in childhood and
adolescence all over the world. Kids will be kids.
Exploring the Real Causes of Behavior Labeled as ADD/ADHD
Behaviors labeled ADD/ADHD can occur as a response to challenging conditions and
stages of life that are marked by stress, boredom, change, frustration, etc.
When conditions improve, often the challenging behaviors decrease or disappear.
Clinical studies suggest that environment has a big impact on brain metabolism.
Factors like stress, family problems, cultural pressure to conform and achieve, and rigid
education systems may play a large role in the behaviors labeled ADD/ADHD.
We are not dealing with abnormal brains. We are dealing with healthy brains
responding to difficult situations that are hard to handle for any human being.
Neurological diversity can be a healthy sign of creativity, uniqueness, and
intelligence. We need to honor and support the unique and varied intelligences
and abilities of children and focus on their "proficiency."
ADD/ADHD "Symptoms" Can Disappear
ADD/ADHD characteristics are behavioral, not an illness. So-called
ADD/ADHD “symptoms” can disappear when children are in one-to-one relationships,
in environments that are novel or highly stimulating and incorporate movement, in situations
where the child can control the pace of learning, and ironically, in the doctor’s office.
So why treat these behaviors with medication?
Do we want conformity at any price – even at the risk of physical and neurological
damage to children's bodies and brains?
Medications Are Not a Cure
The so-called benefits of stimulant medications include reduced motor movements,
increased attentiveness, compliance, and reduced aggressiveness. These medications
can actually create an artificial form of OCD, forcing focus at a time when children's brains
are not biologically ready or neurologically wired for this level of maturity.
However, these so-called "benefits" are temporary. Stimulant medications are not
a cure nor do they heal the underlying causes of the behavior. They do not help
a child self-regulate. Psychostimulants simply reduce the behavior temporarily. In many
cases, the medication can interfere with the natural learning process of self-regulation.
Non-medical approaches actually go deeper to the core of a child’s difficulties and can provide real help.
“. . . the drugs impair the . . . ability to process feelings and to manage thoughts.
Psychotropic drugs impair both cognitive and emotional processing . . . .” Al
Galves, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, ISEPP President
“The difficulty with Ritalin is . . . that many professionals and parents turn to it
too quickly and advocate its use with too many kids who may not actually need it
when provided with access to a broader range of strategies.” Thomas Armstrong,
Ph.D. Psychology
ADD/ADHD Medications – The Potential Price Children May Pay
- ADD/ADHD medications can “undermine a child’s sense of responsibility” by causing
the child to attribute his/her positive or negative behavior to a drug. They instill the
idea that a pill is necessary for self-control.
- Taking medication can make it harder for children to learn how to handle difficult
behaviors themselves.
- ADD/ADHD medications can be gateway drugs leading to drug abuse or dependence.
Most of them are chemically similar to cocaine.
- Research indicates that many children do not like to take ADD/ADHD medication
because the drugs make them feel “weird,” “strange,” or “different” along with producing
many unpleasant and potentially dangerous physical side effects.
- Psycho-stimulants (listed below) can have serious brain-disabling and neurotoxic effects on
children's brains and bodies, including restricting blood flow to the brain.
ADD/ADHD Medication Adverse Effects
(Adderall and Adderall XR, Concerta, Focalin, and Focalin XR, Metadate CD and Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin and Ritalin LA, Vyvanse, Desoxyn)
Minor side effects of medication (Immediate)
- Nausea
- Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Feelings of disconnection, disassociation
- Zombie-like appearance
- Dulled reactions
Major side effects of medication (Immediate or long-term)
- Stunted growth
- Hallucinations
- Anorexia
- Heart palpitations
- Anemia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Depression
- Suicide
- Aggression
- Sudden death
- Brain development abnormalities similar to cocaine use
- Changes in brain cell structure and function
- Severe drug withdrawal symptoms
- Increasing numbers of drug abuse and addiction
Healthy, Medication-Free Alternatives Are Available Now
There ARE healthy alternatives to psycho-pharmaceuticals. Profound improvements in behavior labeled ADD/ADHD show up with healthy, MEDICATION-FREE alternatives that HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS!
Some of these include:
- Movement and Exercise
- Parenting Training
- Behavioral Therapy
- Improved Nutrition and Vitamin Supplements
- Meditation, Yoga, Martial Arts
- Biofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- New Teaching Strategies for the Classroom
Benefits of Healthy, Medication-Free Alternatives
The benefits of healthy, medication-free alternatives for behaviors labeled ADD/ADHD include:
* Focus, Concentration, and Calmness
* Self-regulation
* Developing body awareness and emotional balance
* Improved self-esteem and confidence
* Relaxing, de-stressing, and quieting the mind
* Relieving depression and anxiety
* Overall better health
* Self-awareness and self-healing
* No medication side effects
* Happiness and positive attitudes
These healthy, medication-free alternatives WORK! We can make choices that support our children’s
welfare and keep them drug-free!
ADD/ADHD is a medical model that attempts to turn normal childhood behavior
and temperamental differences amongst children into a disorder.
There is no scientific proof that ADD/ADHD exists. Scientific studies
have failed to show proof of abnormalities in the brain of any child labeled
ADD/ADHD. Warnings of over-diagnosing with ADD/ADHD medications have been
issued repeatedly by the FDA because of serious adverse effects and the lack of
long-term testing.
“There are no laboratory tests that have been established as diagnostic in the clinical
assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” DSM-IV
“ADHD diagnosis is “a total fraud.” Fred Baughman, Jr., M. D., Neurology
and Child Neurology
No Scientific Testing Exists for ADD/AHD
There are no chemical or biological tests for ADHD. The only instruments used to assess
ADD/ADHD are subjective judgments, not fact. The validity of these judgments is highly
questionable because they are based on children's behavior that can change with time
and non-medication alternatives.
So What is ADD/ADHD Behavior?
Does the behavior exist? Yes. Behaviors such as hyperactivity, distractibility,
and impulsivity in children are an observable fact. But this is true because they
are among the most universal and widespread behaviors found in childhood and
adolescence all over the world. Kids will be kids.
Exploring the Real Causes of Behavior Labeled as ADD/ADHD
Behaviors labeled ADD/ADHD can occur as a response to challenging conditions and
stages of life that are marked by stress, boredom, change, frustration, etc.
When conditions improve, often the challenging behaviors decrease or disappear.
Clinical studies suggest that environment has a big impact on brain metabolism.
Factors like stress, family problems, cultural pressure to conform and achieve, and rigid
education systems may play a large role in the behaviors labeled ADD/ADHD.
We are not dealing with abnormal brains. We are dealing with healthy brains
responding to difficult situations that are hard to handle for any human being.
Neurological diversity can be a healthy sign of creativity, uniqueness, and
intelligence. We need to honor and support the unique and varied intelligences
and abilities of children and focus on their "proficiency."
ADD/ADHD "Symptoms" Can Disappear
ADD/ADHD characteristics are behavioral, not an illness. So-called
ADD/ADHD “symptoms” can disappear when children are in one-to-one relationships,
in environments that are novel or highly stimulating and incorporate movement, in situations
where the child can control the pace of learning, and ironically, in the doctor’s office.
So why treat these behaviors with medication?
Do we want conformity at any price – even at the risk of physical and neurological
damage to children's bodies and brains?
Medications Are Not a Cure
The so-called benefits of stimulant medications include reduced motor movements,
increased attentiveness, compliance, and reduced aggressiveness. These medications
can actually create an artificial form of OCD, forcing focus at a time when children's brains
are not biologically ready or neurologically wired for this level of maturity.
However, these so-called "benefits" are temporary. Stimulant medications are not
a cure nor do they heal the underlying causes of the behavior. They do not help
a child self-regulate. Psychostimulants simply reduce the behavior temporarily. In many
cases, the medication can interfere with the natural learning process of self-regulation.
Non-medical approaches actually go deeper to the core of a child’s difficulties and can provide real help.
“. . . the drugs impair the . . . ability to process feelings and to manage thoughts.
Psychotropic drugs impair both cognitive and emotional processing . . . .” Al
Galves, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, ISEPP President
“The difficulty with Ritalin is . . . that many professionals and parents turn to it
too quickly and advocate its use with too many kids who may not actually need it
when provided with access to a broader range of strategies.” Thomas Armstrong,
Ph.D. Psychology
ADD/ADHD Medications – The Potential Price Children May Pay
- ADD/ADHD medications can “undermine a child’s sense of responsibility” by causing
the child to attribute his/her positive or negative behavior to a drug. They instill the
idea that a pill is necessary for self-control.
- Taking medication can make it harder for children to learn how to handle difficult
behaviors themselves.
- ADD/ADHD medications can be gateway drugs leading to drug abuse or dependence.
Most of them are chemically similar to cocaine.
- Research indicates that many children do not like to take ADD/ADHD medication
because the drugs make them feel “weird,” “strange,” or “different” along with producing
many unpleasant and potentially dangerous physical side effects.
- Psycho-stimulants (listed below) can have serious brain-disabling and neurotoxic effects on
children's brains and bodies, including restricting blood flow to the brain.
ADD/ADHD Medication Adverse Effects
(Adderall and Adderall XR, Concerta, Focalin, and Focalin XR, Metadate CD and Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin and Ritalin LA, Vyvanse, Desoxyn)
Minor side effects of medication (Immediate)
- Nausea
- Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Feelings of disconnection, disassociation
- Zombie-like appearance
- Dulled reactions
Major side effects of medication (Immediate or long-term)
- Stunted growth
- Hallucinations
- Anorexia
- Heart palpitations
- Anemia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Depression
- Suicide
- Aggression
- Sudden death
- Brain development abnormalities similar to cocaine use
- Changes in brain cell structure and function
- Severe drug withdrawal symptoms
- Increasing numbers of drug abuse and addiction
Healthy, Medication-Free Alternatives Are Available Now
There ARE healthy alternatives to psycho-pharmaceuticals. Profound improvements in behavior labeled ADD/ADHD show up with healthy, MEDICATION-FREE alternatives that HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS!
Some of these include:
- Movement and Exercise
- Parenting Training
- Behavioral Therapy
- Improved Nutrition and Vitamin Supplements
- Meditation, Yoga, Martial Arts
- Biofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- New Teaching Strategies for the Classroom
Benefits of Healthy, Medication-Free Alternatives
The benefits of healthy, medication-free alternatives for behaviors labeled ADD/ADHD include:
* Focus, Concentration, and Calmness
* Self-regulation
* Developing body awareness and emotional balance
* Improved self-esteem and confidence
* Relaxing, de-stressing, and quieting the mind
* Relieving depression and anxiety
* Overall better health
* Self-awareness and self-healing
* No medication side effects
* Happiness and positive attitudes
These healthy, medication-free alternatives WORK! We can make choices that support our children’s
welfare and keep them drug-free!
