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SuisseThe school rendered responsible for the ritalin boom
The number of children treated with attention problems has increased sharply. In German -speaking Switzerland, the study plan 21 is pointed out.
In Switzerland, the prescription of drug deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) has increased sharply, writes “Sonntagszeitung”. In the past three years, the number of children having received treatments such as ritalin has increased 50%. Pro Juventute believes that, in our country, one to two students per class are affected by ADHD.
Michael von Rhein, chief doctor in development pediatrics at the University Pediatric Hospital in Zurich, described this “ritalin boom” “drift” in an interview. “In recent years, we have observed here in Zurich a growing pressure from schools so that children are sent to consultation. The question then quickly arises to know if drugs can be prescribed, ”he explains.
Against children suffering from ADHD
Susanne Spalinger, co -director of the Elpos Switzerland organization, specializing in ADHD, would like changes in the school system in order to facilitate the lives of the children concerned, because entry to school often marks the start of their ordeal, according to her.
“In kindergarten, they can still react in a fun way. At school, they must perform. They must meet the requirements of the study plan 21, ”she notes. Philipp Ramming, former education advisor and ex-president of the Swiss Association of Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence, also believes that the study plan 21 goes against what children suffering from ADHD need.
But it is too simple, according to him, to blame the school system for the increase in treatments. “Parents say that the school is too strict, schools say that parents lack authority. But ADHD is a complex psychiatric disorder, without unique cause, ”he recalls.
