Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Ritalin,...

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Ritalin, and the Brain Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly referred to as simply ADHD, is the most commonly diagnosed disorder among American children today. According to the National Institute on Mental Health an estimated 3 to 5 percent of school age children are affected by this disorder. (1) There are more diagnosed cases of ADHD of in the United States than there are anywhere in the world. The main symptoms of ADHD include developmentally inappropriate levels of attention, concentration, activity, distractibility, and impulsivity. (1) While the number of people diagnosed with ADHD increases dramatically every year, there is still much about the disorder that is not†¦show more content†¦While studies conducted on the short-term use of these drugs have indicated strongly favorable results in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, at the present there have not been any conclusive studies to show the long-term effects of methylphenidate. To look at the other side of the debate on ADHD one must also consider the argument that while scientists at the moment do not completely understand the nature of ADHD, they are obligated to learn more. If the use of Ritalin has shown obviously beneficial effects is it not logical to use it? The debate surrounding the use of psychostimulants drugs, and more specifically Ritalin, has mainly to do with the lack of understanding concerning ADHD than it does with the drugs themselves. Scientists believe that one first one has to recognize ADHD as a disorder before one can proceed to evaluate its treatments. Ultimately the battle over Ritalin and ADHD demonstrates the lack of understanding we as humans have of the brain and how it functions. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder most popularly associated with an inability to concentrate has been identified by the American Psychiatric Association as displaying nine possible symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD a person must display at least six of the nine symptoms. These symptoms include: -Making careless mistakes in schoolwork -Difficulty sustainingShow MoreRelatedCentral Nervous System Stimulant: Ritalin Essay1549 Words   |  7 Pages Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate. Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant that doctors prescribe to treat several disorders. The most common use of Ritalin is for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another known use of Ritalin is in the treatment of Narcolepsy. A doctor might also prescribe it to treat depression. Ritalin and other drugs in the stimulant class, work by increasing the neurotransmittersRead MoreAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( Adhd )1100 Words   |  5 PagesAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric illness characterized by problems with attention as well as hyperactivity. Individuals also tend to act impulsively. The exact cause is unclear but is likely related to genetic factors as first-degree relatives are often affected. The disease frequently begins in childhood and may progress into adulthood. The condition is also often associated with other psychiatric comorbiditiesRead MoreAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Essay1391 Words   |  6 PagesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Abstract There have been major concerns about the different kinds of learning disorders and the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one. While there are different kinds of the learning disorders which affect the old and the young alike, researchers have not been able to find the cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This paper will begin by discussing the definition of the disorder, the recent statistics of childrenRead MoreAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Essay1687 Words   |  7 PagesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Introduction Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. 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(Rebecca Chapman Booth) With ADD there is a flaw in the way the brain manages the neurotransmitter production, storage or flow, causing imbalances. It has been suggested that as many as 80 percent of ADD cases are the result of genetics with the remainder caused by toxins, trauma or illnessRead MoreEssay about Ritalin And Its Uses1453 Words   |  6 Pages Ritalin and Its Uses nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In recent years, more and more kids seem to be on a prescription drug called Ritalin(methylphenidate). This drug is being handed out more and more by doctors as a way of treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a complex neurological impairnment that prevents kids from concentrating. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, it rose fron 200 grams per 100,000 people to over 1400 grams per 100,000 people in the last fifteen years. TheRead MoreGiving Children ADHD Medication1657 Words   |  7 PagesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder that causes children to have problems with paying attention, trouble with following instructions, have impulsive behaviors and become easily distracted. Medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are used to treat the symptoms of this disorder by helping the patient to focus and pay attention while also curbing their impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Side effects of these medications are, but not limited to, anxiety, addictionRead MoreAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Essay1474 Words   |  6 Pages Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a common thing in many homes, schools, and work areas. It is a disorder that makes focusing and sitting still impossible. Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder can be classified into three major symptoms. The first symptom is Hyperactivity. It causes rapid movement and the inability to sit still. The second major symptom is Inattention. This causes you to have trouble paying attention to things and can even make it hard to complete task. The last symptom