Posted by Chairman_MAO on June 3, 2004, at 17:00:06
In reply to Re: There is something wrong with these children, posted by linkadge on June 3, 2004, at 16:16:51
I'm not trashing the use of Ritalin per se, I'm questioning the diagnostic categories. Back when amphetamine was a decongestant in 1937, doctors found quite by accident that it calmed down "hyperactive" kids. However, "hyperactive" is a value judgement, and back then no one pretended that there was anything biologically wrong with the hyperactive kids--which is the notion I'm trashing. It is the NATURE of young children to be hyperactive! Sure, some kids perhaps have some biological abnormality in the brain. However, in using SPECT scans, one can never escape the value judgement of what is "normal" behavior. "Normal" with behavior, is ALWAYS social, and never medical. This is what I am opposing.
I am not opposing the use of drugs to help people live more functional and rewarding lives. If I opposed that in any way, you'd hardly find me trying my best to help people find the right medications. :)
poster:Chairman_MAO
thread:353129
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040602/msgs/353489.html