Teen suicide is a horrible tragedy and a community issue. One of the areas that must be examined in addressing youth suicide is drugs, in this case the "harmless and helpful" behavior modification drugs like Ritalin.

I have no knowledge of any specifics in any of the local cases. But if we are to look at all factors for future prevention then let's look at all factors.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III-R) published in 1987, "suicide is the major complication" of withdrawal from Ritalin and similar drugs.

Given the fact that Ritalin usage continues to escalate in our schools, it only seems reasonable that this information be part of the dissemination effort.

Perhaps it is just coincidence that both Ritalin usage and teen suicide rates have been on corresponding statistical upswings. But since the same "experts" that are pushing Ritalin acknowledge in their own manuals that suicide is a known side effect, this should be public consumer knowledge.