I am an adult with ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). I take an anti-depressant and Ritalin(methlphenidate) to help alleviate the symptoms. I find it very effective and it helps me a great deal. It surprises me that there is such a heated debate concerning its effectiveness. There are more than a few people(laypeople and medical proffesionals) who adamantly claim that ADHD is a bogus disorder that Novartis(Ritalin makers) simply created the disorder to create a market for their drug. This is simply not true. I know because I suffer from the disorder(although there are SOME positive aspects to having it). If anyone can provide some opinions and personal insight on the pros and cons, please feel free. I would appreciate it. It is almost a smack in the face to have someone tell you that Ritalin is scam when you suffer from ADHD and Ritalin helps improve the quality of your life and your ability to interact with people in a more normal fashion. Ritalin does have a high potential for abuse among those who do not have ADHD or narcolepsy. But I don't think that is a good reason to berate those who have a legitimate medical need for the drug. Anyway this is a free thought forum and I welcome any input regardless of whether or not one agrees with me or not.
PS. Novartis may indeed be trying to pressure doctors to prescibe Ritalin and practice some unsound ethical procedures, but that is their problem and does not in itself make ADHD an illegitimate disorder.
PS. Novartis may indeed be trying to pressure doctors to prescibe Ritalin and practice some unsound ethical procedures, but that is their problem and does not in itself make ADHD an illegitimate disorder.