Letter to Honorable Darrell E. Essa, Chairman of Committee on Oversight and Government Reform - A.D.H.D

Letter

The Honorable Darrell E. Issa
Chairman
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Issa:

As you may be aware, last week, The New York Times published an article entitled "A.D.H.D. Seen in 11% of U.S. Children as Diagnoses Rise," highlighting a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed and medicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.). According to the article, which analyzed data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 6.4 million children ages 4 through 17 received an A.D.H.D. diagnosis at some point in their lives. This reportedly represents a 16 percent increase since 2007 and a 41 percent rise in the past decade. The article also indicated that two-thirds of those with a current diagnosis receive prescriptions for stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, which can improve the lives of those with A.D.H.D. but can also lead to addiction, anxiety and occasionally psychosis. I write to respectfully request that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform conduct an investigative hearing on the serious concerns raised by this article.

It is my understanding that the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the most widely accepted compilation of criteria for the classification of mental disorders, will be released in the near future. As The New York Times reported, it is anticipated that this new edition will broaden the definition of A.D.H.D., potentially leading to more children and adolescents being diagnosed with A.D.H.D. Given the subjective nature of diagnosis -- doctors cannot perform a single test, rather they speak with parents, teachers, and others to determine whether a child suffers from A.D.H.D. - I believe it is critical that a hearing explore whether those contributing to the DSM are conflicted by interest in the manufacture or sale of pharmaceuticals to treat any condition described in the manual. Similarly, it should be determined whether any materials relied upon in setting the diagnostic standards were the result of reliable studies with full disclosure and uncompromised and unbiased reporters.

Additionally, it was reported that approximately two-thirds of all those with a current diagnosis are medicated and that A.D.H.D. is considered a chronic condition that is often carried into adulthood. As such, I believe a hearing should investigate the long-term effects of those pharmaceuticals prescribed for the treatment of A.D.H.D., such as Adderall and Ritalin, on children and adolescents.

Parents in my district have contacted me and echoed the concerns raised in the above-mentioned article about the diagnosis and treatment of A.D.H.D., and I believe the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's role as the main investigative committee in Congress makes it well-suited to take on this important work and help ensure that responsible government departments and agencies are appropriately making sure that our children are provided the best possible diagnosis guidelines and treatment options.

Thank you for your attention and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

John F. Tierney

Member of Congress

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