Flawed Dopamine Theories

Another latest breakthrough theory is that ADHD is linked to dopamine. A review of dopamine/ADHD studies shows, again, words such as, �suggests� and �may� in relation to the findings. A study on mice lacking a gene for a Dopamine Transmitter (DAT) that were then given psychostimulants that calmed them down, said this �suggested� a correlation: �The parallels between the DAT knockout mice and individuals with ADHD suggest that common mechanisms may underlie some of their behaviors and responses to psychostimulants.[Emphasis added]

Another latest breakthrough theory is that ADHD is linked to dopamine. A review of dopamine/ADHD studies shows, again, words such as, “suggests” and “may” in relation to the findings. A study on mice lacking a gene for a Dopamine Transmitter (DAT) that were then given psychostimulants that calmed them down, said this “suggested” a correlation: “The parallels between the DAT knockout mice and individuals with ADHD suggest that common mechanisms may underlie some of their behaviors and responses to psychostimulants.[Emphasis added]

In 2000, a study published in The Lancet claimed ADHD was linked to an over-production of dopamine. This was passed off as “fact,” even though the study involved only six adult subjects diagnosed with “ADHD"—all of whom were most likely to have been on long-term drug treatment and likely on stimulants. Critical details as to precisely what drugs they had been on or for how long were not provided.

The authors mentioned that one month before the brain scanning commenced, the subjects were taken off any drug that may affect the dopamine system. Stimulant drugs administered for ADHD affect the dopamine system. Based on this alone, the scanning differences found between the ADHD subjects and the normal subjects were likely to have been caused by neuroleptic drug treatment.

Valenstein reminds us, “It is well established that the drugs used to treat mental disorder, for example, may induce long-lasting biochemical and even structural changes, which in the past were claimed to be the cause of the disorder, but may actually be an effect of the treatment.” The “cause” and the “effect” of a mental illness are routinely confused.

He says, “It is now difficult to find mental patients who have not had a history of drug treatment, and as a result many of the brain abnormalities found in these patients are probably iatrogenic, that is, produced by the treatment rather than being the cause of the disorder.”

CCHR What we Believe

Drugging Our Children

RECOGNITION OF CCHR

CCHR's humanitarian work has been recognised the world over for ensuring legal rights and protections for consumers and/or their families. Read more...

DRUG WARNINGS

CCHR led the fight for informed consent to psychiatric treatment, obtaining the first law in South Australia in 1979 that granted patients the right to consent to or refuse electroshock treatment. In recent years, it has filed numerous requests to the Therapeutic Goods Administration to reveal all the adverse drug reactions for psychotropic drugs reported to it. Click here to read more

DRUG SIDE EFFECTS

No matter what country someone is prescribed a psychiatric drug, the side effects are the same: dangerous, sometimes life-threatening, but always debilitating. CCHR International in Los Angeles decoded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration psychotropic drug reports database to produce this drug side effects search engine for consumers. This is also relevant to all Australians. You can also view a selection of ADHD drug reactions including Ritalin, Concerta, Dexamphetamine & Strattera obtained by CCHR.

Psychiatric Drugs

An Australian Report Titled, Psychiatric Drugs and Violence documents how Antidepressants and Antipsychotics can Cause Violence.
The report was written as Australians are not adequately warned that psychiatric drugs can cause homicidal actions and thoughts....

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