Return
to Dr. Breggin's Presentation to NIH Consensus ConferenceTable 5: Adverse Drug Reactions
From Stimulants
Mistakenly Identified As "Beneficial."
Data From 20 Controlled Clinical Trials
Obsessive Compulsive ADRs
Stereotypical activities (1,3)
Obsessive-compulsive
behavior (1, 3, 7, 17)
Perseverative behavior (1,3,9, 17)
Cognitive perseveration (7)
Inflexibility of thinking (9)
Over-focusing or excessive focusing(7,9)
Social Withdrawal ADRs
Social withdrawal and isolation (3, 12, 14)
General dampening of social behavior (19)
Reduced social interactions, talking, or sociability (3, 8,10*, 15*, 18**, 19)
Decreased responsiveness to parents & other children (10*, 18**, 19)
Increased solitary play (4, 8*)
Diminished play (15*)
Behaviorally Suppressive ADRs
Compliance, especially in structured environments (4*, 8*,10*,11*)
Reduced curiosity (7)
Somber (2)
Subdued (3)
Apathetic; lethargic: "tired,
withdrawn, listless, depressed,
dopey, dazed, subdued and inactive" (3; also 12, 20)
Bland, emotionally flat, affectless (5, 16)
Depressed, sad, easy/frequent crying (3, 4,12, 13, 18**, 20)
Little or no initiative or spontaneity (5)
Diminished curiosity, surprise, or pleasure (5)
Humorless, not smiling (5)
Drowsiness (18)
Social inhibition--passive and submissive behaviors (6)
*Considered positive or therapeutic by the source
**Considered possibly positive or therapeutic by source
1. Borcherding et al. (1990)
2. Tannock et al. (1989)
3. Mayes et al. (1994)
4. Schleifer et al. (1975)
5. Rie et al. (1976a)
6. Granger et al. (1993)
7. Solanto and Wender (1989)
8. Cunningham and Barkley (1978)
9. Dyme et al. (1992)
10. Barkley et al. (1985)
11. Cotton and Rothberg (1988)
12. Schachar et al. (1997)
13. Barkley et al. (1990)
14. Handen et al. (1990)
15. Barkley and Cunningham (1979)
16. Whalen et al. (1989)
17. Castellanos, et al.. (1997)
18. Firestone, et. al. (1998)
19. Buhrmestar, et al. (1992)
20. Gittelman-Klein et al. (1976).
©Peter R. Breggin, MD 1998
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to Dr. Breggin's Presentation to NIH Consensus Conference