THE MUM of a boy who suffers from a rare behavioural condition has slammed criticisms of the medicine her son takes to control his symptoms.

Thomas Davies, of Whinchat Drive, Oakwood, has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and was prescribed the drug Ritalin three years ago.

But doctors have this week been warned to curb their prescribing of the drug. The number of children taking Ritalin has dramatically increased and some claim that it is often given to quieten difficult children.

There have also been reports that those taking the drug are more likely to smoke or take cocaine in adult life.

Thomas's mum, Hannah, says she is disgusted by the claims.

"How dare they say that we are drugging our children and introducing them to drugs?" she said.

That is rubbish. I love my son very much and if I thought Ritalin was bad for him I would not let him take it. I am giving to him to improve his quality of life."

And she added: "There are a lot of things done by the doctors before the child goes on medication. It is the last resort."

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