Russell A. Barkley, George J. DuPaul, and Anthony Costello

Stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin, are extremely effective in treating attention deficit disorder, maintain Russell A. Barkley, George J. DuPaul, and Anthony Costello in the following viewpoint. Many of the fears about using Ritalin— such as its dangerousness and addictiveness—are myths with no basis in fact, the authors contend. Moreover, since the drug’s effects are extremely short-lasting, any potential ill- effects will wear off quickly, the authors assert. Barkley is the director of psychology and professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (UMMC), and the author of several books on attention deficit disorder. DuPaul is a professor and coordinator of the Lehigh University School Psychology Program and has written numerous articles on...