Lawrence H. Diller - Running on Ritalin: A Physician Reflects on Children, Society, and Performance in a Pill

Running on Ritalin describes in vivid detail the performance pressures on Americas children, their parents, and teachers that result too often in a prescription for Ritalinand nothing else. This important book should be read by teachers, principals, counselors, and everyone else interested in the well-being of our children. Ramon C. Cortines, Executive Director, Pew Network for Standards-Based Reform at Stanford University; Interim Director, Annenburg Institute for School Reform at Brown University

A very important book Dr. Diller has correctly described the chaos of the current ADHD diagnosis; the disturbing trend of blaming childrens social, behavioral, and academic performance problems entirely on an unproven brain deficit; and the consequent enormous and generally inappropriate reliance on Ritalin as the remedy. This is the most thorough and reliable book available to help parents and professionals understand and cope with their crisis. William B. Carey, M.D., Director of Behavioral Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia; author of Understanding Your Childs Temperament

Parents whose kids take the stimulant Ritalin for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder usually find themselves wondering about the value of using Ritalin. Anyone with doubts should read this thoughtful book by child psychiatrist Dr. Lawrence H. Diller. He is not anti-Ritalin; he prescribes it for some children. But [he] raises many important issues about why Ritalin use has increased in the United States and whether it is the appropriate response to a childs difficulties. Los Angeles Times

An excellent opportunity to learn about methods of diagnosing ADD, various treatments of it, and related problems This thought-provoking book should help anyone genuinely concerned with ADD and ADD-like problems. Booklist

Well-reasoned guidance for parents and teachers who must deal with this controversial issue. The Dallas Morning News

No parent who has ever considered medication use for their child should make the decision without first reading Running on Ritalin. This superbly written, carefully researched book should also be required reading for primary care providers, mental health professionals, teachers, and all others who have the best interests of children in mind. Stanley Turecki, M.D., author of The Difficult Child and Normal Children Have Problems, Too

Dr. Diller engages and inspires us with his genuinely sweet candor and personal inquiry. His honest questions cause the reader to consider the limits of treating only the symptoms of ADD, rather than individuals in their social context. The stories, the science, the insight, and the recommendations all guide us toward a hopeful perspective. Peter A. Gorski, M.D., M.P.A., Past President, Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

In this thoughtful and objective book, Diller addresses the history of the ADD diagnosis, the benefits of drug treatment, and what he believes is the willingness of some doctors to medicate something that is not a disorder at all: childhood. American Way

Well-researched loaded with practical and interesting information Dr. Diller presents a balanced and solid argument . Running on Ritalin is an important and informative book for all primary care providers, specialists, and parents . [It] should be on the shelf of everyone who cares for children, adolescents, and adults with ADD. Developmental & Behavioral News

A provocative new book that raises troubling questions about the Ritalin boom, and the growing trend to correct behavior problems in children with a drug. The Ottawa Citizen

Dedicated
to
Helen Gofman, M.D., Bayard Allmond, M.D.,
and Alan Leveton, M.D.
and to
My Parents