This paper aims at contributing to the debate regarding Ritalin and ADD/ADHD, a condition which is still unclear in its definition, aetiology and treatment. The paper focuses on the question: ‘Whom do we treat when Ritalin is ministered to the child?’ and it does not exclude the need for a combined psychological and pharmacological intervention in severe situations.

Psychotherapeutic work with two families of children under 5, who had been given the option of treatment with Ritalin, is described. The underlying psychological motivation for accepting or refusing medication is looked at within the context of family life and therapy.