Over the last 10 years we have seen an explosion of prescription psychiatric drugs for Australian children. In the 2005-06 financial year there were 337,000 prescriptions written for antidepressants under 20’s in Australia, with 75,500 of these written for under 15 years old. This is despite the fact that no antidepressant has been approved for use in children under the age of 18 in Australia.
Monthly prescriptions for “ADHD” drugs in Queensland more than doubled between April and November 2007. These drugs are classified by the Australian Government in the same category as cocaine, opium and morphine. Together with this are the 400 adverse effects reported to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration for the 2 main ADHD drugs, namely Ritalin and Dexamphetamine
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the main psychiatric manual used in Australia to “diagnose ADHD”, actually states there are no tests for ADHD, which means that any claims made about ADHD as a biological, chemically based brain disease has no scientific basis.
In 1987, the American Psychiatric Association members merely ‘voted’ to call a list of behavioural symptoms ADHD and inserted them into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders which Australia has since adopted.
So the diagnosis of ADHD is based solely on an opinion. Once the illness is listed, the drug companies then make drugs and apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration for their use in Australia.
(source: Human Rights Commision; and Medical Researcher,Phillip Day)
What is the answer??
How can you help yourself or a member of your family that has been given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD? As with any health diagnosis, the journey of turning the ‘illness’ around is usually not one that will manifest overnight but is a series of changes. Accelerated Learning techniques, Educational Kinesiology, Emotional Freedom Techniques coupled with Dietary Changes will help support brain development.
Brain Research is showing us the way to help the brain change its chemistry and and electrical circuits.
With ADD/ADHD part of the healing process is
1. eliminating specific foods out of the diet. This is done for at least 60 days to allow the system a complete break from inflammatory agents, preservatives/chemicals and sugars which dramatically affect mental states through the gut lining and go on to antagonise hormone levels and responses as well as hindering the body’s ability to detoxify itself
2. stimulating brain cells and their connections creating more whole brain intergration. There are many forms this stimulation my take.
It is important to learn as much as you can before you hand the power over to the medicos.
Frequently ADD/ADHD is a biochemical/nutritional state that can be changed - it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
If you would like to learn more on diet changes and nutritional supplements that greatly assist ADD/ADHA go
Queensland. 4220 - Australia
