Methylphenidate is not a safe drug. It should not be prescribed unless all other environmental factors have been examined. I do not believe that this is the case. Educators, parents and practioners are all concerned about the child's well being. Methylphenidate may provide a short term solution, but, in fact it only hides the real condition.
Parents are desperate to do what is best for their child.
Yet they cannot always trust the judgment of the medical and educational establishment. Central nervous system stimulants are heavily promoted to both doctors and educators. I was recently visited by a drug manufacture's representative marketing a new ADD drug. He was very excited about his new product and how big the market was. We all need to closely examine the over use of this drug.