AMA FINDS NO PROOF OF OVERDOSE OF RITALIN OR OTHER STIMULANTS

A review of two decades of studies found no evidence that doctors are
widely overprescribing stimulants such as Ritalin to hyperactive and
inattentive children, the American Medical Association says.

Concerns have emerged in recent years over the rapid increase in the
diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
including allegations that children sometimes are given drugs to simply
control unwanted behavior in the classroom.

But based on a review of studies from 1975 through March 1997, the AMA said
there is little evidence of widespread overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of the
disorder, or of widespread overprescription of Ritalin, by far the most
popular drug treatment.