Scientology leads backlash - 2001-04-03
Scientology leads backlash April 3, 2001,
In the wake of the massacre at Columbine, Col., CNN interviewed Dr. Mary Ann Block, author of the book No More Ritalin -- Treating ADHD Without Drugs. She quoted a study noting Ritalin's similarity to cocaine in its ability to cause psychotic episodes.
The network later discovered Dr. Block is a medical consultant to CCHR, and the study she quoted was a report written the day after the massacre by CCHR vice-president Marla Filidei, amid reports that one of the Columbine killers, Eric Harris, had been taking the antidepressant Luvox.
Ms. Filidei stands by her report, which she says was drawn from medical literature. Despite its bizarre origins, much of Scientology's stand on ADHD and the overprescription of Ritalin comes across as common sense.