Empty bottle for Ritalin tablets, England, 1954-1970
‘Ritalin’ is a brand name for a synthetic drug first manufactured in 1954 by Ciba. It was advertised as a stimulant for the central nervous system to treat clinical depression and narcolepsy. The drug is in tablet form. From the 1970s, Ritalin was also used to treat ‘hyperactive’ children, a condition we now describe as Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is only available on prescription. Side effects include insomnia and nervousness. Medication is just one way to help a child with ADHD and other treatments include cognitive behaviour therapy. In the 1800s hyperactive or disruptive children (as they would have been seen) were medicated with opium.
Object number:
A627499
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: bottle
Vessels having a neck and mouth considerably narrower than the body, used for packaging and containing liquid and dry preparations
Glossary: opium
A drug derived from the opium poppy. It has been used to cause sleep and provide pain relief for many centuries.
Glossary: depression
A mental state associated with acute sadness. Activity can be decreased, especially interaction with others, and sleep, appetite, and concentration can also be disturbed.
Glossary: narcolepsy
A medical disorder. Symptoms include extreme tendency to fall asleep in quiet surroundings or when engaged in repetitive activities. The patient can be woken easily and is immediately alert.
Glossary: ADHD
A behavioural disorder which begins in childhood. Symptoms include short attention span and impulsive tendencies, commonly but not always combined with hyperactivity.
Glossary: methylphenidate
generic name for Ritalin