The suit accused the defendants of conspiring to broaden the clinical definition of AD/HD for financial gain. In 2001 a United State District Court judge in California dismissed the section of the suit pertaining to APA, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to provide evidence supporting their claims. Last week's ruling affirmed that dismissal.
Ritalin may be prescribed to treat ADHD, a disability with a neurobiological basis that affects up to 5 percent of school-aged children and 2-4 percent of adults. The disorder is often characterized by frequent and severe hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inability to focus. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR), which is recognized by national and international health agencies, insurance companies and government agencies, notes that to be diagnosed as a disorder, these symptoms must occur at levels that cause significant distress.
Individuals with ADHD who are undiagnosed and untreated can experience serious problems such as depression, substance abuse and other disorders. Early identification and treatment increase the likelihood of positive long-term outcomes.
"These lawsuits were attempts to deny the existence of ADHD, a disorder that affects millions of children," said APA President Paul S. Appelbaum, M.D. "APA is delighted that the Ninth Circuit has confirmed that this litigation is utterly without merit, and APA looks forward to continuing its work on behalf of the one in five Americans with mental disorders."
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society, founded in 1844, whose 38,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses including substance use disorders. For more information, visit the APA Web site at www.psych.org.