Tuesday, April 15, 2003
  A PARENT'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE Today's guests are waging a battle against their schools, saying they went too far when they suggested that they medicate their children with psychotropic drugs. Many opponents, who believe its diagnosis is based on a list of highly subjective questions, deny the existence of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Even so, a whopping 6% of elementary and middle school students take psychotropic drugs to control ADD, even though the long term effects of the medications are unknown. Vicky put her 10 year-old daughter Shaina on a psychotropic drug after receiving a letter from the school psychologist stating that her daughter should be evaluated for ADD. Shaina died after a toxic level of the drug built up in her system. Patricia and Al refused to listen to their school when they suggested their son take a drug. They are currently in litigation with the school, who they say accused them of abuse for not medicating their child. Actress Juliette Lewis is against drugging children with ADD, she'll share her point-of-view. You'll also hear from Representative Lenny Winkler of Connecticut who passed legislation in 2001 prohibiting teachers from making recommendations that children be placed on psychotropic drugs. Dr. Mary Ann Block, author of No More ADHD, will also talk about the controversial existence of the disorder which has been the focus of her medical career. |
 
Vicky: Her
daughter died after taking a medication to control ADD |