A generation of junkies

In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in the number of children diagnosed with behavioural and biomedical problems, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and autism.

As there are no medical tests to confirm these diagnoses, they are done by personal assessment. The diagnosis of ADD and ADHD is made when seven out of ten boxes on a checklist are marked. From that diagnosis, children as young as two-and-a-half are being prescribed drugs such as Ritalin, which affects the central nervous system and the brain. Its side effects include a loss of appetite; trouble in sleeping; stomach pain; fast heartbeat; increased blood pressure; chest and joint pain; skin rash; uncontrolled movements of the body; blood in urine or stools; blurred vision; convulsions (seizures); muscle cramps; uncontrolled vocal outbursts and/or tics (body movements); and unusual bleeding or bruising. With long-term use or at high doses, there are changes in mood, confusion, delusions, hallucinations and weight loss.