Lindsay Lohan’s mother Dina is reported to be worried about her daughter’s use of the medicine Adderall.

The Mail quotes Dina as saying she fears for her daughter, “because when she’s drunk or takes an Adderall with it, she will do something like Heath Ledger did in a second without thinking”.

Adderall is a mixture of two kinds of “speed”, the cortical stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is used in the US mainly as a treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, in children and adults, and also for narcolepsy (sudden attacks of drowsiness).

In the past amphetamine was the active ingredient in Benzedrine, one of the early stimulant medicines, and dextroamphetamine is still marketed, on its own, as Dexedrine here in Britain. Millions of prescriptions for Adderall are issued every year in the US and it’s given in instant release and sustained release (”XR”) form.

Amphetamines have always been popular among entertainers because they enable a performer to be “on” when needed. If it’s true that Lindsay Lohan takes Adderall, then she’s probably taking it for adult ADHD, for which it is indicated.

However, as the data sheet for Adderall warns in block letters at the top: “Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse.” They cause a rapid lift in mood and, in high doses, elation but also of course, racing heart and even palpitations. The depressive crash after a lengthy amphetamine spree can be devastating. Then with prolonged use can come the dreaded amphetamine psychosis, which can involve terrifying paranoia and is virtually indistinguishable from schizophrenia.

Incidentally, the practice of medicating children with such powerful drugs is not without controversy. Consider the symptoms that a child needs to merit a diagnosis of ADHD and treatment with Adderall or something similar.

For the “inattentive type” of ADHD a child must display at least six of the following for six months or more: lack of attention to details/careless mistakes; lack of sustained attention; poor listener; failure to follow through on tasks; poor organisation; avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort; loses things; easily distracted; forgetful.

For the “hyperactive-impulsive” type the child needs to have six of the following persistently: fidgeting/squirming; leaving seat; inappropriate running/climbing; difficulty with quiet activities; “on the go”; excessive talking; blurting answers; can’t wait turn; intrusive.

Now I’m not one of those people who automatically mistrusts medicines and “taking pills” but even I find myself wondering – what child doesn’t have plenty of those symptoms at any one time?

The makers of Adderall, Shire, say themselves that the effectiveness of the drug “has not been systematically evaluated” beyond three weeks in children and four weeks in adults. But how many ADHD patients only take it for such a short period? I can’t help thinking: what is wrong or missing in so many children’s lives that they need to take strong, habit-forming psychotropic drugs for symptoms that by themselves are considered normal?

“Attention Deficit”

Sounds like: Kanye West’s “Late Registration”

As a much-hyped newcomer to the rap game, a la Kid Cudi or Drake, Wale has some lofty expectations to meet with “Attention Deficit.” As a native of the much-overlooked Washington, D.C., hip-hop scene, he must represent an entire region’s spirit and energy. Add these pressures to the fact he just finished touring with Jay-Z, and it’s clear Wale has a lot to live up to.

Fortunately, this is as solid a debut album as you’ll find. With 14 tracks of bouncing, head-nodding hip-hop, it’s rich and refreshing to the ears in the wake of Jay-Z’s recent opus “The Blueprint 3.” Featuring radio-friendly pop collaborations with the likes of Pharrell, Lady Gaga and Gucci Mane, Wale ensures his commercial appeal, while simultaneously showcasing tight flows and his personal goal of taking hip-hop in a new direction.

Let’s get on with the familiar parts of the album first. By now, mostly everyone has heard the Lady Gaga-assisted “Chillin,” which enjoyed some commercial success in the summer. It’s a solid lead single and one that prepares us for the other pop efforts on “Attention Deficit.” “Pretty Girls,” featuring Atlanta’s bling-bling king Gucci Mane, is decent, despite sounding like a throwaway from Kanye West’s “Graduation” album.

“World Tour” proves enjoyable to the ears, anchored by a catchy piano riff and interpolating the hook of A Tribe Called Quest’s classic, “Award Tour.” Wale raps about the ups and downs of touring on the road for months. The final single, “Let It Loose,” with the falsetto croons of Pharrell Williams on the hook, is catchy and Wale raps well here, but it sounds like any Neptunes-produced track found on a Jay-Z album.

Fortunately, the rest of the album’s less-pop driven songs are exceptionally strong. Most of the subject matter deals with being a striving up-and-coming MC, the dire state of hip-hop and clever boasts about his rapping prowess – all of which are fresh and funny when reinforced by Wale’s confident yet sincerely lighthearted rapping style.

About 2 million children in the United States have Attention Deficit Disorder. For many kids, a diagnosis leads to prescription meds, but how much is too much?

Rebecca Lopez seems like a happy, active kid, but even she knows her energy level can get out of hand.

Two years ago, Rebecca’s teachers told her mom they suspected A.D.D.

“I thought maybe she would grow out of it. It was a stage, anything but that,” says Christina Lopez, Rebecca’s mom.

Medication that was supposed to help did just the opposite.

“She was so medicated for so long she went from one extreme to another,” says Christina.

Child psychiatrist Martin Irwin of the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans says at least a quarter of the kids he sees are over-medicated.

“We see kids on four to five medicines with four or five different diagnoses or labels,” he says.

His mission is to get kids off unnecessary drugs. A.D.D. medications can have side effects like tremors, headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart palpitations and more.

Eight-year-old Nigel Wilson’s meds were causing panic attacks and weight loss.

“He was on a medicine that’s closely related to Ritalin at 40 milligrams. Now, he’s on Ritalin at 2 and a half milligrams, twice a day,” says Dr. Irwin.

After one month, there were big changes.

“I don’t get out of my seat anymore,” says Nigel.

Dr. Irwin says many kids can reduce the amount and number of meds they take. Natural remedies like a healthy diet, exercise and therapy sessions can help keep them calm.

Dr. Irwin cut Rebecca’s A.D.D. meds by more than 70%. Now, she’s happy and energetic…

Dr. Irwin believes his “Get Kids Off Medications” clinic in New Orleans may be the first program of its kind in the U.S. It’s dedicated to tapering off or discontinuing drugs for kids on three or more psychiatric medications.

GETTING KIDS OFF MEDS REPORT #1623 ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER: ADD is a neurological disorder causing problems with attention span, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. ADD affects between 8 and 12 percent of children and 4 percent of adults globally, according to a 2009 article published on Web MD. Often times, it is first diagnosed in children and stays with them through their adult years. There is no cure for ADD, but medications, therapy and counseling may significantly improve a patient’s symptoms. Although initial diagnosis is often scary, parents should not stress out. Most children with ADD are very capable of growing into successful, social and active adults. There is no one known cause for ADD. Brain scans reveal a different brain structure in these patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients typically have less activity in the area of the brain which controls attention and activity. Heredity does play a partial role; 25 percent of children with ADD also have a relative with the disorder. Mothers-to-be who smoke or use drugs increase their baby’s odds of developing ADD. Young children exposed to toxins are also at a higher risk. Signs and symptoms may vary upon severity. Two key characteristics of the disorder are inability to pay attention and hyperactive behavior. Patients tend to lean towards one trait more than the other, but often possess both. Signals of inattentive behavior include not paying attention to details, having trouble staying focused, having a hard time listening in a conversation, difficulty following instructions, limited organization and a forgetful memory. Characteristics signaling hyperactive behavior include fidgeting, an inability to stay seated, playing loudly, talking a lot, interrupting others and being very anxious, according to the Mayo Clinic. ADD MEDICATIONS: The most common drugs used to treat ADD are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), according to the Mayo Clinic. In an article published by Web MD, a study suggests that adolescents treated with Ritalin have increased their odds for sudden cardiac death. According to the article, the FDA does not want to change the way the drugs are used, claiming the study had major limitations. Some medicines are short-term, lasting around four hours, while others last between six and 12. Stimulant medications have side effects including decreased appetite, weight loss, sleeping problems, and irritability as the medicine wears off. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES: Behavioral therapy can improve a child’s schoolwork and social skills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer parenting tips for kids with the disorder. They say make a schedule with set wake-up and bedtimes. Be organized and create specific spots for key things such as backpacks. During homework time, get rid of distractions like the television or radio. Limit choices to two options. This prevents overwhelming decisions between foods, clothes, restaurants, stores, etc. The Mayo Clinic also recommends showing children plenty of affection, being patient and keeping others’ feelings in perspective. For More Information, Contact: Leslie Capo Director of Information Services LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA Lcapo@lsuhsc.edu