Michael Kvopka Article Summary - 2124170

In his article A call to attention (edited) (The Australian, 6 March, 2010, review), Paul Christensen
examines the use of drugs for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Christensen draws attention to a specific drug, Ritalin, and summarises the arguments for and against its
use.
Christensen explains how psychologist Peter Powell suffered from ADHD as a child when very little was
understood about the condition. He describes how Powell eventually developed a program for helping
families affected by ADHD, after researching the condition himself. Christensen informs that ADHD is
still a largely mysterious condition and it is not known if genetics or environmental factors are the cause.
Christensen tells of the ambiguity in diagnostic criteria for ADHD as conditions such as anxiety and sleep
deprivation present similar symptoms. He cites Harriet Hiscock, a Melbourne pediatrician, who tells of
anxiety causing sleep deprivation in children.
Christensen conveys that stimulant drugs such as Ritalin are commonly used to alleviate ADHD
symptoms and have been proven to work in fruit flies. Christensen tells that neuroscientist van
Swindern and his team have found Ritalin to have similar effects on people as on fruit flies, citing van
Swindern who explains the efficacy of the drug varies between individuals. Christensen says that
Ritalins critics are due to studies showing the drug has detrimental results in normal adults and
increases the chance of ADHD children being rated as underperforming by teachers. He adds that Ritalin
studies have shown the drug increases blood pressure despite ceasing use.
Christensen quotes Powell who says the studies may not represent all participants and that assessment
of those who need the drug should be on an individual basis. He adds that pediatrician Lou Landau
agrees with Powell to a point, citing Landau who says previous studies had too few participants and did
not solely focus on the effects of Ritalin on ADHD, but, the drug should only be used when deemed
beneficial. Christensen quotes Landau who believes social and educational support are an effective
means of ADHD treatment and have been proven to work. He adds that a British computer system has
been shown to control impulsiveness in ADHD children.
Christensen concludes with explaining that Powell considers drugs such as Ritalin as a last resort, but
there should not be a stigma associated with their use. He cites Powell who says a range of assessments
will ensure appropriate drug use. (400 words)