Bastique

Dear Annie,

From your response I don't believe you read my email very carefully. I am not disputing the fact that an overwhelming number of children are misdiagnosed with ADHD and rubber-stamped prescribed Ritalin without any further monitoring and follow up.  I believe this to be true.  Generally, Ritalin hurts children without ADHD.

However, and when you take into account recent findings (Since your radio show) that Ritalin goes along way to repair the parts of the brain that are affected by ADHD.  See article: MSN:Brain Changes Seen in Kids with ADHD.  Generally, Ritalin helps children with ADHD.  The evidence is strong. 
The problem is that children without ADHD are being prescribed a drug that hurts them and not helps them, because of a careless physician, frustrated teacher or an over-zealous parent hoping for a panacea to end the problems they're having with a troubled child.  

I have to make comments regarding your statement:

<<And just as FYI:  I have contacted experts on the opposite side who firmly believe ADD / ADHD are actual disorders and believe in drug treatments (names will be excluded), and such experts will not come on AAL to present the very balance those of you who are concerned speak of because they don't want to go up against Dr. Baughman.  Dr. Baughman is the authority figure on this issue, and there are many organizations and experts who support his findings.>>

Many organizations, please cite the organizations and their directives.  Saying that someone is "the authority figure" on the subject is dubious, as there are countless practicing clinicians who are authorities on ADHD.  I've no doubt that Dr. Baughman is an acclaimed expert in the field, however, have you considered that other experts "won't go up against him" because they do know who he is and know that he refuses to listen to any point of view except his own.

I have no answers for you--my own psychiatrist, who understands much about how ADHD works and the medicine to trait it is not a very good candidate for a debate.  However, I digress.  You are the journalist.  If you can only present a myopic point of view on the issue, then you are irresponsibly reporting and completely at fault.  You want to refuse to have someone on your show unless they will debate Dr. Baughman. 

I believe that children die, because they're carelessly misdiagnosed and prescribed medication meant for a completely different condition.  I find it sad what happened to the three children you cite on your program.  Changes to pediatric care need to be made before this happens to more children. 

I agree that the medication to treat ADHD is not perfect.  My use of 15mg of Adderall daily comes with a variety of side effects including the fact I cannot enjoy more than a single cup of coffee without facing anxiety attacks.  However, Adderall dramatically improves my concentration and reduces my impulsivity to levels reaching societal norms.  Ritalin, had the same effect on me--although in my case, the beneficial effects of Ritalin eventually wore off with extended use.

Therefore, it would be irresponsible to scoff in the face of imperical evidence and use these terrible tragedies to convince parents who have ADHD children never to use medication that will likely help them improve their standard of living.

Please take a moment to listen to the what other people have to say before you convince your listeners that Ritalin is dangerous to everyone and worthwhile to noone.

I live at 44814 Commonwealth in Seattle. Been up here before?