by CHADD's Public Policy Committee
In response to statements made by incoming president of the National Rifle Association Oliver North regarding Ritalin, a medication for ADHD
In response to statements made by incoming president of the National Rifle Association Oliver North regarding Ritalin, a medication for ADHD
There is no evidence to support a link between Ritalin, a medication
prescribed as part of treatment for ADHD, and school-related violence. In fact,
the evidence demonstrates that violence is not a symptom of ADHD or a result
of ADHD treatment, and that ADHD alone is not a contributing factor to violent
behaviors.
When those in public positions offer explanations not confirmed by
science it can have damaging effects on individuals. A recent statement by Oliver
North, incoming president of the National Rifle Association, falsely attributed
school shootings and other violent acts to a medication intended to treat a
common health condition. Such comments only cloud the public’s mind regarding
treatment for ADHD and how treatment has improved the lives of millions of
people.
ADHD affects about 17 million Americans, regardless of age, gender,
race, or socioeconomic status. ADHD is treated through a combination of
behavioral management, therapy, prescribed medications, and lifestyle
accommodations. Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is one of several
medications that can be chosen as part of an overall treatment plan. Research
has shown that medication combined with behavioral and lifestyle management has
the best success at addressing ADHD symptoms. Medication has also been shown to
decrease aggression in those affected by disorders that may coexist with ADHD.
About 8.4 percent of children currently have an ADHD diagnosis,
making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Managing
ADHD symptoms through combined treatment approaches leads to a more positive
outcome in life and at school for children affected by ADHD. In childhood, ADHD is treated through a combination of behavioral management and parent
training, academic accommodations, therapies based on the individual’s need,
and prescribed medication. For children younger than age six, behavioral
management, and parent training are the recommended primary treatment for ADHD. About 62 percent of
children who have an ADHD diagnosis will employ medication at some point as part
of their treatment plan.
Read more about ADHD treatment for children at CHADD: The National
Resource on ADHD. Other articles of interest include NRA's incoming president ties Ritalin to school shootings, but here's what the science says from CNN and No links between Ritalin and school shootings, as NRA's Oliver North claimed from PolitiFact. The authors of both articles discussed these
statements with leading researchers in ADHD.
