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Comments from CH.A.D.D.:

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D.) has responded to allegations about the organization in a new book, "Talking Back To Ritalin," by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.

"Virtually every statement in this book about CH.A.D.D. is inaccurate, in whole or in part, out of context, or presents a very biased interpretation of the facts," stated Sheila Anderson, president of the 32,000-member national organization. "It is unfortunate that Breggin chose to pursue his own agenda, rather than the truth, and never made an effort to contact our national office to obtain information readily available. Instead, he chose to publish allegations unsubstantiated by the facts.

"Breggin's most damaging and persistent untruth," she said, "is the allegation that 'a substantial portion of CH.A.D.D.'s support comes from Ciba Pharmaceuticals -- manufacturers of Ritalin.' The truth is that the percentage of grants accepted from pharmaceutical corporations has been less than 10% for the past three years and, at no time in CH.A.D.D.'s history did that percentage exceed 17%. All such funds were used to support CH.A.D.D.'s educational programs, including Spanish language translation of information about ADHD prepared for parents and families."

The full text of this article is available at the CH.A.D.D. website.

 

Reviews

Review by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.

Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., Director of Psychology and Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and a member of the CH.A.D.D. Professional Advisory Board stated in a review of the book that: "The propaganda Breggin offers here will be easily dismissed by the scientific and clinical professional communities as having nothing to add to the important issues related to understanding and managing ADHD. But to the lay reader, such misguidance as Breggin provides (in the book) can do real harm."

"Talking Back To Ritalin" has been dismissed by some leading clinicians and scientists as "outdated psychoanalytic thinking," and national media such as USA TODAY criticize Breggin for "selectively quoting, interpreting and omitting research" in his book.

According to Anderson, grants from corporations including pharmaceutical manufacturers, enable CH.A.D.D. to continue its work in informing and educating about a disorder that is widely misunderstood. "Any corporate support we do receive is accepted in conformance with gift acceptance policies and does not influence ethical principles governing our independent position on matters affecting the welfare of all individuals with ADHD. The grants we welcome from corporations help us disseminate research-based information about the cause, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. This information is provided with the guidance of a Professional Advisory Board of top experts in the fields of science, medicine, education, law and research. We do not advocate for any particular form of treatment but, rather, for thorough assessment and evaluation by a team of professionals, followed by whatever treatment program is recommended by those professionals," she said.

Dr. Barkley, a leading clinician, scientist and educator specializing in ADHD stated in his review of the book that Breggin "literally encourages parents of ADHD and developmentally disordered children to turn away from the established fields of pediatrics, psychiatry, and psychology and the professionals who practice within them. Instead, Breggin instructs parents to seek outdated, unscientific and ineffective pop-psychological views of disorders and their treatment."

Dr. Barkley concluded his review by stating: "What was so dismaying to me as a professional by the end of the book was the knowledge that Dr. Breggin took an oath as a physician to 'first, do no harm.' In my opinion, his book has violated that sacred oath." - Full Review available on CH.A.D.D. website.

CH.A.D.D. is the nation's leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children ad adults with ADHD. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, the organization has 32,000 members and more than 500 local chapters throughout the United States. Information about CH.A.D.D. and ADHD is available via CH.A.D.D.'s Web site: http://www.chadd.org or at 800-233-4050.

 SOURCE CH.A.D.D.

Sharon A. Collins, MD, pediatrician

"I am a mother first and a doctor second... The principles in this book help us as parents to empower our children to be successful in life."

Ronald David, M.D., Pediatrician and Medical Director, D.C. Health and Hospitals Public Benefits Corporation

"As medical director of D.C. General Hospital, I intend to make this book required reading for all child care providers on my staff."

Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Ph.D, former projects director of the Freud Archives and author of Dogs Never Lie about Love and When Elephants Weep

"Every child needs a hero--a champion who will speak truth to power. That hero is Peter Breggin. When he writes on behalf of children and caring parents, the world should stand up and take notice. This book is packed with information needed by anyone who is considering prescribing psychiatric drugs to children."

 

Book Description

Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Desoxyn, Gradumet, Cylert.... Have you ever wondered whether your child's behavior might be helped by these drugs? Has a teacher or doctor suggested this to you? If so, you need the facts--facts that most doctors can't tell you because even doctors haven't been told the truth about the drugs that they prescribe.

In this compassionate and compelling book. Dr. Breggin shows why our children need education, not medication. TALKING BACK TO RITALIN empowers parents to transform distracted, disenchanted and energetic children into powerful, confident and brilliant members of the family and society.

 

Synopsis (from publisher)

Millions of children take the drug Ritalin for Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. The drug's manufacturer, Novartis, claims that Ritalin is the "solution" to this widespread problem. But hidden behind the well-oiled public relations machine is a potentially devastating reality: children are being given a drug that can drastically impair their minds and brains. "Talking Back to Ritalin" gives readers the facts about this controversial drug --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author (from publisher)

Peter R. Breggin, M.D. is a psychiatrist in private practice in Bethesda, Maryland, where he also directs the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology. He teaches on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University Department of Counseling. His background includes Harvard College, the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, a Teaching Fellowship at Harvard Medical School, and two years as a full-time consultant with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He has published more than a dozen books, including Talking Back to Prozac, Toxic Psychiatry, and The War Against Children of Color.

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