This week saw the arrest of sixteen teenagers in Westchester County for underage drinking at a party which is not big news, but the report made passing mention of the presence of several tablets of Ritalin, the drug prescribed with growing frequency as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and said that the drug is sometimes used recreationally. It's ironic that at the same time some people are concerned that some kids are overmedicated with Ritalin to keep them under control, other kids are rebelling by using more Ritalin than they're supposed to.
The real debate, though, is over whether Ritalin is being used too hastily, as an easy means of social control. It's a debate that was fought in the pages of Priorities, the print-magazine predecessor to HealthFactsAndFears.com, back in 1996, and the basic points remain relevant today:
"Against" Ritalin:
Richard Bromfield, Ph.D. of Harvard Medical School argues that Ritalin is overprescribed.
"For" Ritalin:
Jerry Wiener, M.D. says Ritalin is not overprescribed and reminds readers of its benefits.
