Do Laws Limiting School Involvement in ADHD Do More Harm Than Good?
July 18, 2001 (Washington) — In response to reports of parents being pressured by school officials to place their children on Ritalin or similar drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, several state legislatures are enacting or considering legislation that may discourage schools from playing doctor. But these laws may do more harm than good, because schools can play vital roles in diagnosing ADHD as well as treating the condition, experts say. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 4.1% of children between the ages of 9 and 17 have ADHD, which includes the symptoms of an inability to stay focused or finish tasks. Children with this condition may also have depressive and anxiety disorders or engage in drug abuse. Connecticut recently became the first state to enact legislation that specifically prohibits school officials from recommending psychotropic drugs — the class of drug that Ritalin belongs to — to parents for their childr
