A Mother's Story

Guest editorial by Mental Health Activist and Executive Director of Citizens Commission on Human Rights Laurie Anspach and mother and Human Rights Advocate, Linda Averett




The word “science” is defined as a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws. In 2008, the American Heart Association (AHA) made a "scientific statement" regarding cardiovascular monitoring of children with heart disease who are on stimulant drugs for ADHD.



To base the entire AHA statement on the premise that ADHD exists serves only to forward a false concept, not fact or truth. Therefore it leaves the public in the dark about what they really need to know in order to make informed decisions regarding the psychiatric drugs that are used for this and other diagnoses. The Associated Press reported that "about 2.5 million American children and 1.5 million adults take medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, according to government estimates". Minimally, there are about 4 million people who deserve to know the full story on the subject of ADHD, psychiatric drugs and the harmful and fatal side effects of these drugs.



Once again, this is a discussion of mind-altering drugs that are being administered to children for a "disorder" that cannot be medically or scientifically evidenced. This is different from the use of antibiotics for medically evidenced illnesses, different than the use of insulin for medically evidenced diabetes, etcetera.

According to the AHA article, the FDA stated that “the number of cases of sudden deaths reported for Adderall is only slightly greater, per million prescriptions, than the number reported for methylphenidate products, which are also commonly used to treat pediatric patients with ADHD. Adderall XR generally should not be used in children or adults with structural cardiac abnormalities”. Additionally, a boxed warning on the FDA patient information sheet for Adderall states, “Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events.”
The official statement by the AHA is that "We acknowledge that the current level of knowledge about these drugs and the specific risks they may impose on children with "heart problems" is limited at this time….After a diagnosis of ADHD has been made, but before therapy with a stimulant or other medication is initiated, a thorough evaluation should be performed as indicated below with special attention to symptoms that can indicate a cardiac condition such as palpitations, near syncope, or syncope. Detection of these symptoms or conditions should warrant an evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist before initiation of therapy".

Linda Averett, a Florida mom, is deeply concerned about parents not getting all the information on these psychiatric drugs. Here is what she has to say: "As a parent I am not only concerned for my son’s well being, but for all children being diagnosed with ADHD and being prescribed stimulant medications. First of all, after doing much research, I found that there is no evidence that ADHD actually exists. My son was on Adderall for a short period of time and experienced heart palpitations and rapid heart beat. Studies have shown that stimulant medications like those used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Certain heart conditions increase the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), which occurs when the heart rhythm becomes erratic and doesn't’ pump blood through the body. But some of the cardiac conditions associated with SCD may not be noticed in a routine physical exam. This is what the AHA American Heart Association is suggesting that these children get an exam before putting them on these potentially dangerous drugs. Many of these conditions are subtle and do not result in symptoms, or have symptoms that are vague such as palpitations, fainting or chest pain.



My son did not have an underlying heart condition. However, if he would have stayed on these stimulants I could almost guarantee you he would have had more complications. I KNOW his condition was caused from the medication. It was quite a scare.



Children accounted for 19 of the deaths and 26 of the nonfatal cardiovascular conditions. How dare the AHA suggest that these drugs are safe and that your child just needs an exam for any underlying heart condition. Who are they trying to fool? Are you willing to take a chance with your child's LIFE? It could be the last time you make a decision concerning your child’s health. Make sure it is an informed one”.