Pubdate: Wed, 12 Dec 2001
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2001 The Miami Herald
Contact:  http://www.herald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262
Author: Bernie Diaz

PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS CAUSE HARM

In the Nov. 8 Living article On ADHD, there was a question about the 
controversy of medication used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity 
Disorder. I've studied ADHD and the various drugs prescribed for it, and it 
is no mystery why there is so much concern over the use of these drugs.

I have known quite a few people who have been diagnosed with ADHD and 
various other "learning disorders." Those who were given proper tutoring 
and other educational remedies rapidly improved, while the less fortunate 
who were instead drugged with these medications only worsened, from dulling 
their minds to pushing them to suicide. No doctor or scientist has proven 
that any brain abnormality in a person diagnosed with these "disorders" 
would require drugs to fix the "chemical imbalance." They are merely a 
bunch of subjective symptoms, common behavior in combination that scored 
enough points on a short test.

When you consider that dangerous and harmful psychotropic drugs are being 
given to children as young as 2 months old to treat something that has not 
been scientifically shown to exist, is it any wonder why there is so much 
controversy? This isn't to say that child behavioral and learning problems 
don't exist.

But there are effective solutions that don't include the use of powerful 
drugs. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights currently is running a 
campaign exposing psychiatric abuse, especially the unnecessary drugging of 
children.

To report any such abuse or for more information, call 305 238-1254.

Brian Wallace
Director, Miami Chapter

Citizens Commission on Human Rights

Coral Gables 
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