A recent news article in the Vancouver Sun stated that ADHD medication prescriptions have tripled in BC over the last ten years. Are we surprised? No, we are not surprised at all. North American society seems to have gone prescription drug crazy over the last decade. The pharmaceutical industry is winning the battle to make you believe you need their products and to keep your money in their pockets. It seems that you cannot turn on a television without being innundated with advertisements flogging some prescription drug, usually loaded with terrifying side effects. We are also bombarded by the health care industry with products of questionable value such as flu shots.
According to the news article the Centre for ADHD Awareness in Canada recently ran a national awareness week funded by Shire Canada, the makers of two of the ADHD medications. Once again the drug makers are calling the tune.
The news article also stated that all of the doctors on the board of Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance which has set diagnosis and treatment guidelines for ADHD have declared links to pharmaceutical companies for either consulting or speaking engagements. This is like being a paid advocate or a lobbyist. Ladies and gentlemen, the key point to understand about paid advocates or lobbyists is that their opinions are bought and paid for by special interest groups, in this case by the pharmaceutical industry.
Who knows what long-term side effects are going to come out of the current wave of ADHD drugs. Remember in most cases these drugs are being given young children or teenagers.
With the massive amounts of prescription drugs, flu shots and similar items it is no wonder that healthcare costs are skyrocketing.
The government should ban direct public advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals and also make it illegal for practising doctors or other healthcare professionals to earn fees or take money or gifts from the pharmaceutical industry. Objectivity is a critical aspect of professionalism.
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