ADHD
        Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Class Presentation
 Ed Loewenton  Tuesday, November 06, 2001   GPS 515
Breggin: drug reactions
References   DSM-IV    Other Perspectives   Neurological Model  
   Back to Presentation notes

Cardio-

vascular Function

Brain and Mind Function

Gastro- intestinal

Function

 

Endocrine andMetabolic Function

Other Functions

Withdrawal and Rebound

Reactions

Palpitations

Tachycardia

Hypertension

Cardiac arrhythmia

Chest pain

Cardiac arrest

Mania, psychosis, hallucinations 

Agitation, anxiety, nervousness

Insomnia

Irritability, hostility, aggression

Depression, emotional sensitivity, easy crying, social withdrawal

Drowsiness, ‘dopey’, reduced alertness

Confusion, mental impairment (cognition and learning)

Zombie-like (robotic) behavior with loss ofemotional spontaneity

Obsessive-compulsive behavior

Convulsions

Dyskinesias, tics, Tourette’s

Nervous habits (e.g. picking at skin, pulling hair)

Anorexia

Nausea, vomiting, bad taste

Stomach 

ache, cramps

Dry mouth

Constipation, diarrhea

Abnormal liver function tests

Pituitary dysfunction, including growth hormone and prolactin disruption

Weight loss

Growth suppression

Growth retardation

Disturbed sexual function

Blurred vision

Headache

Dizziness

Hyper-sensitivity reaction with rash, conjunctivitis, or hives

Insomnia

Evening crash

Depression

Over-activity 

and irritability

Rebound worsening of ADHD-like symptoms

Modified from Breggin (1999a&c) by permission of Springer Publishing Company.The information is compiled from Arnold and Jensen (1995, Table 38-5, p. 2306; Table 38-7; and p. 2307), Drug Enforcement Administration(1995b, p. 23), Dulcan (1994, Table 35-6, p. 1217), Maxmen and Ward (1995, pp. 365-366), and Food and Drug Administration (1997c, March).Citations in Breggin (1999a&c).
  

Table II: Harmful Stimulant Effects Commonly Misidentified as ‘Therapeutic’ or ‘Beneficial’ for Children Diagnosed with ADHD.

 


Obsessive Compulsive Effects


Social Withdrawal Effects


Behaviorally Suppressive Effects

Compulsive persistence at meaninglessactivities (called stereotypical or perseverative behavior)

Increased obsessive compulsive behavior (e.g., repeating chores endlessly and ineffectively)

Mental rigidity (called cognitive perseveration)

Inflexible thinking

Overly narrow or excessive focusing 

Socially withdrawn and isolated

General dampened social behaviour

Reduced communicating or socializing

Decreased responsiveness to parents and other children

Increased solitary play and diminished overall play

Compliant in structured environments; socially inhibited, passive and submissive

Sombre, subdued, apathetic, lethargic, drowsy, dopey, dazed, and tired 

Bland , emotionally flat, humorless, not smiling, depressed, and sad with frequent crying

Lacking in initiative or spontaneity, curiosity, surprise or pleasure