Essay Giving Stimulants to Children with ADHD - 603 Words

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.†¦show more content†¦ADHD children have trouble in school with reading, handwriting and paying attention to what is important. They constantly fidget and squirm and cant express their thoughts into words. Detecting ADHD is a complicated mat ter since there are no blood tests or evident genetic tests to confirm this syndrome. The most common way to treat ADHD is with stimulants or anti-depressants. These medications stimulate the childs brake pedal whereas without treatment the child is all gas pedal (Taylor 63). The most common drugs prescribed for this disorder are Dexedrine, Ritalin and Cylert. They are effective for a four to five hour time period while the sustained-released tablets are effective for seven to eight hour time periods. The drugs stimulate the central nervous system similar to amphetamines. It activates the brain stem arousal system and the cortex (Bailey 2). Ritalin, the most common drug prescribed for ADHD, has many side effects. It can cause a variety of symptoms including nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, high blood pressure and heart rate, skin rashes, abdominal pain, weight loss, digestive problems, toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug dependence, and anxiety (Bailey 3). These drugs also cause food cravings (mainly sweets), hinder allergies, psychosis and pre-existing tics. Long-term effects of Ritalin consist ofShow MoreRelatedOverprescribing Of Stimulants For ADHD Case Study969 Words   |  4 PagesOverprescribing of Stimulants for ADHD The most extensively studied childhood neurobehavioral disorder is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a chronic condition that occurs in about 8% of children and youth (Harstad Levy, 2014). Stimulant medications (i.e. methylphenidate and amphetamine) are very effective in decreasing the core symptoms of ADHD (Harstad Levy, 2014). 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Holistic Approach1013 Words   |  5 Pages ADHD: Synthetic Medication Vs. Holistic Approach Ashley McKnight American College of Healthcare Sciences ADHD: Synthetic Medication Vs. Holistic Approach Little Johnny was exhibiting all the signs of ADHD. His parents had school conferences with his teachers and it was agreed that his parents would get him tested. Paperwork was filled out and little Johnny was tested for ADHD. When the test came back, it was confirmed that little Johnny had ADHD. So, what now? The parentsRead MoreAn In-Depth Analysis on the Prescription of Stimulant Medication as a Treatment for ADHD1141 Words   |  5 Pages Stimulant medication could be the miracle drug, or the most harmful thing to hit the younger generations. Medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are playing a prominent role in many adolescents’ lives, or the lives of people close to them. There is an â€Å"underground market† for medications like these, and the market is growing quickly. 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Living with someone with ADHD or even being friends with someone with ADHD can have an effect on a person’s life. From the patients impulsive actions, all the way to their inability to pay attention to what someone is saying can affect everyone around them. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder does have a temporary cure though. Stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse all the way to exercise. Although some medicines have great benefitsRead More Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Essay1551 Words   |  7 Pagesnothing wrong, and gets straight A’s; parenting still is difficult. When a child has a disorder such as ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactive disorder), the child needs much more from the parent tha n most parents bargain for. Parenting roles for a child with ADHD change greatly; from the time that a parent needs to spend helping the child tie their shoe, or taking the child out for a run in the park. 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