*CLAP*CLAP*CLAP*

Hallelujah! 'Bout time!

Ombudsman wants in-depth look at Ritalin, other drugs By CHRIS MORRIS
FREDERICTON (CP) - New Brunswick's ombudsman wants the province to take an in-depth look at the widespread use of drugs such as Ritalin for children with attention deficit disorders.

Bernard Richard told the Senate committee examining children's rights on Tuesday his office deals with many child-related issues since New Brunswick has not yet established a youth and child advocate. Richard said he is deeply concerned about the steadily rising number of children medicated with psycho-stimulant drugs such as Ritalin.

He said the province's Education Department has issued a directive to teachers and school districts making it clear that educators are not to suggest medications to parents.

"The Department of Education has sent a directive to all teachers, all of the school districts, saying it is not the role of teachers to give medical advice and diagnose a medical condition," Richard said.

"I really feel there is a need in Canada, and New Brunswick is no different, to have a closer look at the issue of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the prescription of Ritalin. I'm concerned that it is being seen as the easy solution to an overactive child." more....

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