In July of 2008, the Royal Australian College of Physician (RACP) sent out a report for public comment about the treatment of ADD and ADHD.  This report said that the drugs Ritalin and Dexamphetamine were the first treatment of choice for ADD and ADHD and that nutritional supplementation, diet changes, chiropractic care and homeopathy had little or no use in the treatment of these conditions.

I was absolutely appalled when I read the report, that this learned group of individuals could even think this, let alone write something like this for public view and opinion.

The RACP as well as the government guidelines for ADD and ADHD has now changed their tune, since the revelation that a Harvard University research team were being funded by the drug companies that make the medications for ADD and ADHD.  Funded to the tune of $1.5 million!!!

The guidelines now say that children diagnosed with ADHD should be weaned off medication as doctors are warned not to use drugs for first line treatment.  Brand new federal government draft guidelines released this week will substantially change the way doctors treat the illness, especially in preschool aged children.

More then 350,000 children and adolescents in Australia have ADHD and in the past financial year taxpayers have forked out more the $21 million in drugs.

What the papers and reports have failed to say is that the RACP has also been funded by the drug companies that make ritalin.  So it is not only the researchers but our learned RACP that need to have their wrists slapped ever so hard and in my opinion should be heavily fined by the government for wasting tax payers money in the over prescription and pushing of the drugs ritalin and dexamphetamine on innocent young children. 

Will there be an apology and compensation to the parents and children who have believed and trusted all along that they were doing the right thing….I think not.

It is a fact that the side affects of these drugs can have growth impacts that are life long.