Drugging Our Children
Drugging Our Children
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulses that indicate disruptive behavior, and deficits in attention and motivation. ADHD is present in approximately seven percent of children, and three percent in adults who meet the diagnostics criteria (Ruhrold). That means that up to twenty million American citizens are directly affected by ADHD. The most debatable topic regarding ADHD is the treatment through Ritalin. Even though Ritalin is a safe and effective method used to treat ADHD, it is over prescribed by medical doctors. To prevent the rash diagnosis of ADHD, doctors must conduct more investigation and psychological testing. In addition, parents must be given other options for treatment than stimulant drugs.
Ritalin is often used as a convenient shortcut to solving behavioral problems among children. When a child shows signs of mischief in the classroom, parents and teachers quickly jump to the conclusion that the child has ADHD. Parents then take their child to the doctor and usually over exaggerate their behavior. Doctors know that this is biased, but the do not commit their time for further investigation and physiological testing (Grohol). Just because some boxes can be checked on the diagnostics criteria test does not mean that one automatically has ADHD. Giving a perfectly healthy and active student Ritalin to calm down is the equivalent of pressuring one into taking drugs just for the sake of doing it. Instead of rashly diagnosing children with ADHD, doctors must suggest that their parents take more time with their children. Family counseling or education programs is a better and safer option.
Nowadays, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder goes hand in hand with Ritalin. When one is diagnosed with ADHD, it is very likely that they will be prescribed Ritalin. As a matter of fact, the number of children taking ADHD medications is rising. According to Lorraine Day, “Up to 90% of
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulses that indicate disruptive behavior, and deficits in attention and motivation. ADHD is present in approximately seven percent of children, and three percent in adults who meet the diagnostics criteria (Ruhrold). That means that up to twenty million American citizens are directly affected by ADHD. The most debatable topic regarding ADHD is the treatment through Ritalin. Even though Ritalin is a safe and effective method used to treat ADHD, it is over prescribed by medical doctors. To prevent the rash diagnosis of ADHD, doctors must conduct more investigation and psychological testing. In addition, parents must be given other options for treatment than stimulant drugs.
Ritalin is often used as a convenient shortcut to solving behavioral problems among children. When a child shows signs of mischief in the classroom, parents and teachers quickly jump to the conclusion that the child has ADHD. Parents then take their child to the doctor and usually over exaggerate their behavior. Doctors know that this is biased, but the do not commit their time for further investigation and physiological testing (Grohol). Just because some boxes can be checked on the diagnostics criteria test does not mean that one automatically has ADHD. Giving a perfectly healthy and active student Ritalin to calm down is the equivalent of pressuring one into taking drugs just for the sake of doing it. Instead of rashly diagnosing children with ADHD, doctors must suggest that their parents take more time with their children. Family counseling or education programs is a better and safer option.
Nowadays, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder goes hand in hand with Ritalin. When one is diagnosed with ADHD, it is very likely that they will be prescribed Ritalin. As a matter of fact, the number of children taking ADHD medications is rising. According to Lorraine Day, “Up to 90% of