In 2000, lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of Ritalin and the American Psychiatric Association in California, New Jersey, and Texas. The lawsuits alleged that the drug manufacturers and the psychiatric association conspired to “create” a disease/disorder and hype the benefits of Ritalin as the mode of treatment. For a news article on the suits, see “Maker of Ritalin, psychiatric group sued,” The Wall Street Journal, Thursday, September 14, 2000. Can a disorder be “created”? Is it possible that there may be political, economic, or other “hidden” agendas involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and other problems of childhood? If so, what may some of these be?
(NOTE: This is not based on your opinion; you must use evidence to support your post. Be sure to use journal articles, books, and/or credible websites to support your comments.)
