Adhd: Disorder or Cop-Out
Jeni Tuttle
Mr. O'seland
Comp. II Sec. 30100
22 April 2013
ADHD: Disorder or Cop-Out
Each year, millions of children are at risk of being misdiagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), and prescribed potentially harmful medications for this disorder. 9.5 percent, or 5 million, children in the United States were diagnosed with ADHD as of 2007. 2.8 million of those children received a prescription for a stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, in 2008 (A Misdiagnosis, Anywhere). Do all of these children actually have ADHD? No. Therefore, do all of these children need ADHD medications? Definitely not. This will be proven throughout this article. Being easily distracted, failing to pay attention, not being able to sit still, forgetfulness, talking non-stop, and hitting others are the symptoms that determine if a child has ADHD, but almost all children act this way (washington.edu). It is normal. Children should be given the opportunity to grow out of the symptoms that classify them as having ADHD. Some children just simply are not as mature as others their age, but that is not a good enough reason to assume that the child has ADHD, especially with the serious side effects that can occur with the prescribed medications.
ADHD medications can cause a wide range of side effects. The most common side effects are: feeling restless, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, upset stomach, irritability, mood swings, depression, dizziness,racing heartbeat, and tics. Anxiety, paranoia, and suicide, are just a few of the more serious side effects (helpguide.org). Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed drug for children, and there is a well deserved worry about its long-term effects. Ritalin affects the brain similarly to cocaine, one of the most addictive substances known. Rats who were exposed to stimulants were much more likely to help themselves to cocaine, suggesting that Ritalin makes people more prone to abuse drugs
Mr. O'seland
Comp. II Sec. 30100
22 April 2013
ADHD: Disorder or Cop-Out
Each year, millions of children are at risk of being misdiagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), and prescribed potentially harmful medications for this disorder. 9.5 percent, or 5 million, children in the United States were diagnosed with ADHD as of 2007. 2.8 million of those children received a prescription for a stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, in 2008 (A Misdiagnosis, Anywhere). Do all of these children actually have ADHD? No. Therefore, do all of these children need ADHD medications? Definitely not. This will be proven throughout this article. Being easily distracted, failing to pay attention, not being able to sit still, forgetfulness, talking non-stop, and hitting others are the symptoms that determine if a child has ADHD, but almost all children act this way (washington.edu). It is normal. Children should be given the opportunity to grow out of the symptoms that classify them as having ADHD. Some children just simply are not as mature as others their age, but that is not a good enough reason to assume that the child has ADHD, especially with the serious side effects that can occur with the prescribed medications.
ADHD medications can cause a wide range of side effects. The most common side effects are: feeling restless, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, upset stomach, irritability, mood swings, depression, dizziness,racing heartbeat, and tics. Anxiety, paranoia, and suicide, are just a few of the more serious side effects (helpguide.org). Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed drug for children, and there is a well deserved worry about its long-term effects. Ritalin affects the brain similarly to cocaine, one of the most addictive substances known. Rats who were exposed to stimulants were much more likely to help themselves to cocaine, suggesting that Ritalin makes people more prone to abuse drugs