Ritalin Causes Depression -- Wall Street Journal

"New research is raising questions about the long-term effects of Ritalin and other drugs widely used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder." says the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

The article goes on to say, "Now, new studies in rats suggest that methylphenidate, the generic name for Ritalin , may permanently alter the brain and may lead to depression in adulthood."

The article then begins to question how psychiatrists diagnose ADHD -- the so-called "mental illness" for which Ritalin is sold. "...the criteria for the disorder -- such as whether a child is easily distracted, doesn't seem to listen or can't sit still -- are highly subjective and could easily describe many healthy children. Some psychiatrists believe that as many as 15% of kids diagnosed with ADHD actually suffer from some other problem that wouldn't be helped by drugs -- such as a learning disability, a sleep disorder or even a difficult relationship with a teacher."

Elsewhere in the Wall Street Journal, Eli Lilly reports a 4th quarter loss.

The handwriting is on the wall.