Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

The implementation of Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine has allowed for great hope for the children who struggle with ADHD. Many scientists and doctors search for a way to lessen the burden of ADHD on children. They compile and complete many studies in which they test different alternatives to treat this disorder. The results of one of many clinical studies completed by Savill states, “Nevertheless, in a clinical study of 36 youths with ADHD [mean (standard

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most widely diagnosed “mental-illness” in children in the United States today, and approximately 99% of children diagnosed are prescribed daily doses of methylphenidate in order to control undesirable behaviors. (Stolzer)

In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these drugs are being prescribed for children with various disorders. One of these disorders is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). An estimated five to ten percent of children are diagnosed with this syndrome (Taylor 11). One of the methods to treat this disorder is to use stimulants, specifically Ritalin. This method is controversial because it has many side effects and its long-term effects are unknown. It can also lead to addiction. Approximately two to three percent of elementary school children are taking some kind of stimulant to treat ADHD (Taylor 64). Since so many children are taking this medication, new problems have arisen.

An older study conducted by Dr. Brian Reichow, adjunct professor at Yale University School of Medicine, and his colleagues discovered similar findings, “Methylphenidate, [a psychostimulant medication, was] effective for treating ADHD symptoms in children.”

There are many medications that affect children’s health in today’s society. Doctors prescribe lots of medication which can be avoided, when children are properly diagnosed with certain health problems. Attention - deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has impacted many people with the danger of certain medications which is overprescribed to all ages each year. The hidden dangers of the medications these doctors are prescribing, is that our children are being misdiagnosed with ADHD at a very early age, and this is causing many different side effects. Long term use of these medications can cause severe side effects. The most commonly prescribed drugs, are Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta, which cause children to have nervousness, appetite suppression, insomnia and increased blood pressure and heart problems. Also pharmaceutical companies are well aware of the danger to children and adults that these drugs may cause.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly found disorder in children in the United States. Statistics show that the male to female ratio for children with ADHD is eight to one. 4.4 million Children between the ages four to seventeen have diagnosed with ADHD (Cheng Tina L et al.). African American children are at a higher risk for having ADHD. Caucasian children are least likely to have ADHD. 2.5 million children receive medication for ADHD, but African American children are half as likely as Caucasian children to take ADHD medication(Cheng Tina L et al.). If African American children do not take medication for ADHD the child will most likely do drugs, drop out of school, or find it harder to receive a job when they get older. There is not cure for children who have ADHD, but there is medication children can take to decrease their hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Adderall, Methylin, Concerta, and Focalin are some of the medications given for children who have ADHD. Methylphenidate is the most common medication prescribed by physicians for ADHD. “Methylphenidate takes effects within fifteen minutes of taking it and lasts between four and twelve hours a day.” (Hughes, Katsiyannis, and Ryan). Although medication is out there for the children to take, some of the medication given haves negative side effects. ADHD is not preventable. Parents should not only avoid drinking, smoking, or doing any other type of drugs to prevent ADHD, but also to prevent

It is determined ADHD, is caused by an imbalance of chemicals affecting certain parts of the human brain that work with attention, impulses and concentration Mall & Holland, (2013). Some of the symptoms include daydreaming, forgetting or losing items, and having difficulty resisting temptation. Some of the medication that is provided to patients with ADHD is Ritalin and Concerta. There are some concerns that ADHD medication may led to substance abuse Brown University, (2013). According to Brown University, (2013), the increase in the diagnosis of ADHD may have resulted from over – diagnoses of ADHD or inaccurate information reported from the parents that were surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). This report has raised questions about the increase in ADHD

Random controlled studies have been conducted regarding one of the main concerns which is substance abuse, increase of blood pressure and heart problems. There is a new debate for people who take the drugs extended periods of symptoms of chest paid, heart attacks, and strokes (Harvard Health Publications, 2017). The stimulants used to treat ADHD is considered to have potential for recreational abuse for teens, and grows into substance abuse as an adult (Harvard Health Publications, 2017). In August of 2003 through December of 2005 there were 64 hospital records that involved ADHD medications caused by intentional ingestion, or of an overdose (Harvard Health Publications, 2017). The diagnoses and medication has a higher rate in the United States than in the UK due to prescription guidelines being more relaxed and being prescribed to children under the age of six ( Steer, 2014). With the wide criteria used to diagnose children, the number of prescriptions for ADHD medications are increasing to large numbers to treat ADHD (Steer, 2014). Due to the increasing misdiagnoses and surrounding issues of medications provided to children, before considering medications it is also important to research other alternative treatments that can be beneficial as

In the United States, 9.5 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD (Morris 1). ADHD is defined as a constant issue with hyperactivity, lack of focus, inability to control behavior, or a combination of these (Berger 1). In order to quell the difficulties caused by ADHD, parents will usually resort to sending their child to a physician to prescribe a specific medication. These medications serve a great purpose, but also include numerous unwanted side effects. As of 2010, 48 percent of 325 surveyed patients reported side effects caused by ADHD medications, the most frequent being loss of appetite, sleep problems and mood swings. About 21 percent of these side effects

With treatment of ADHD people, more than not, choose the medication instead of the therapy for the easy fix. "The combination of medication and behavioral intervention, known as multimodal treatment, is the best treatment strategy for ADHD, however, stimulant medication is the most efficacious, single treatment for reducing symptoms of ADHD" (Lesesne, 2007). Evidence of medication being a much more used source of treatment shows how people want the easiest and quickest fix for unwanted behaviors and also shows how people might be motivated to become diagnosed which ADHD to get the medication that will help their standing abilities to focus and function. "Using national survey data, we recently found that medication rates among boys and girls

There are many Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications in the pharmaceutical world. All ADHD medications have their differences and similarities. Two of the most popular and widely-used medications to treat ADHD are Adderall and Concerta. These two medications are very similar in producing the same effect on a person with ADHD; however, these medications are made very differently. These medications today are in high demand because the number of ADHD diagnoses is increasing in people today. As of 2011 11% of children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Kids who are diagnosed with ADHD will most likely take Adderall, Concerta or any other ADHD medication for the rest of their life.,

Being able to find answers, and enlightening material without searching through a plethora of biased data can relieve concerns as well as offer hope. The Mayo Clinic’s website is inviting to those who come looking to research ADHD. The website’s format is open and easily understandable. The sub-categories are listed on the left side of the webpage. They include the most common topics including symptoms, treatments, complications, and most important a comprehensible definition. There is an abundance of statistical information on alternative medication that is not usually found when researching Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. “But ADHD medication is seldom all that's needed to control oppositional behavior”(Flippin, 2015). The website also has a limited amount purchasable advertisements. The information listed fit into each subcategory

The use of stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall in children with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continues to rise, albeit at a slower pace than in previous decades, a new study finds. The study authors tracked data on prescription in the US 1996 to 2008. They found that the use of drugs for ADHD was higher among children of 6-12 years and increased slightly from 4.2 percent in 1996 to 5.1 percent twelve years later. However, increase more pronounced occurred in older children, ages 13 and 18. In this group, the ADHD drugs increased more than double, from 2.3 percent in 1996 to 4.9 percent in 2008. The researchers said this reflects a greater understanding

Like most other developed countries, the majority of our U.S. culture is now accustomed and drawn to the idea of “quick-fixes.” In this busy society, one is typically most intrigued by the option that is the easiest to implement and can provide the fastest results, such as a pain pill for a headache. However, in the world of mental health and its’ disorders, a “quick-fix” is usually not the best approach. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among these mental health disorders that should not be resorting only to a “quick-fix”, such as a stimulant medication, to effectively manage the disorder. This is especially true for ADHD among the pediatric population, as this is a time of rapid behavior and personality growth, as well

To add to that, the research that has been conducted on the disorder has led to a variety of effective treatments. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (2014) the most widely used medication is a stimulant. There is a wide variety of stimulants available for ADHD subjects. Although, with these stimulants come side effects including sleep problems, decreased appetite, anxiety and other diverse uncommon side effects (NIMH, 2014). Stimulants tend to calm children with ADHD. However, these medications can be detrimental to the patient in many ways. Certain medications have been subject to abuse, including Adderall and Ritalin. These medications are in some cases abused by patients who are over diagnosed. Since these patients do not have the disorder they can feel the side effects and use the drug to achieve a certain kind of high. When using these drugs for non-medical purposes they can seem to replicate the effects of cocaine