Ritalin Nation: Rapid-Fire Culture and the Transformation of Human Consciousness

by Richard DeGrandpre

In this illuminating investigation of the epidemic of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and its most widely prescribed treatment, the powerful psychostimulant Ritalin, psychologist Richard DeGrandpre sounds a warning: we may well be failing our children by treating symptoms and not causes with a quick-fix and ultimately unsatisfactory solution. Drawing on the latest findings from developmental, psychobiological, and social scientific research, DeGrandpre "criticizes America's obsession with performance and quick satisfaction and the country's reliance on Ritalin [as] a performance-enhancing drug" ( Natural Health ). He cautions that our society-wide rush to more, and faster, stimulation leaves children especially vulnerable to "sensory addictions." Ritalin Nation exposes the shortsightedness of mere biological explanations of ADD and offers some practical guidelines for cultivating a less-hurried existence and promoting a saner, safer community for our children.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health, Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, History, Health

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[HeavyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book when I read it. I wanted to hang onto it to use as a reference, but I loaned it to an acquaintance in Austin, and she never gave it back to me.

This book gives a lot of information about the problems with ritalin.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago, it's one of my Favorite "Psych" books. very interesting stuff.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great. I really agree with many of his views regarding a fast paced world, the effect it has on children, and the way adults deal with it

[Dan Hallington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and insightful! An essential read for anyone with a personal or academic interest in the subject... or anyone interested in the psychological health of human society...