Preview

Arguments Against Adhd

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1193 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Arguments Against Adhd
The Argument against Drug Therapy in Children with ADHD
There has been a great increase of interest in the treatment of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children from a scientific perspective as well as from a societal standpoint. The attention on this disorder has been reflected in the number of carried out researches, books, and scientific articles that explain the best treatment options for this common childhood disorder. In the same manner, big progress has been accomplished in handling and understanding the treatment of ADHD in children with drug therapy. Most children who are diagnosed with ADHD nowadays are being helped with favorable and considerable results due to this approach, which wouldn’t have been the case
…show more content…
The behaviors Mr. Frederick identified among these children included disobedience, spitefulness, and insecurity. He labeled the children’s behavior, “a morbid defect in moral control.” Later during the 19th century, the most used treatment approach for “immoral children” was physical punishment (Krans, 2012). Luckily, this treatment methodology changed when scientists began to explore the connection between bad behavior and biological …show more content…
These symptoms can negatively affect a children 's academic performance. Compared to children without this disorder, children who suffer of ADHD tend to have lower grades, lower math and reading scores, and are more likely to repeat a year or drop out of school (NIMH, 2009). Recent studies have revealed that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who take medication to treat the condition are more likely to improve their academic performance than children with ADHD who do not take medication. (NIMH, 2009). In a systematic review conducted on academic achievement among children with ADHD in 2013, authors Brogan, Mulvaney, Grainge, Stanton, and Sayal concluded, “In terms of academic performance, this review has found that drug treatment for ADHD benefited children in the amount of assigned seatwork that they completed, across three different drugs at both high and low doses” (Brogan et al., 2013). Even though stimulant drugs such as Ritalin or Adderall are known to improve attention and self- control, they won’t necessarily add up to a patient being a better student by test score standards. In a study done at the University of Michigan in 2012, researchers suggested that expanding the use of the medication in the population might have “negative consequences given the average way these drugs are used in the community” (Klimas, 2013). Moreover, studies

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    In Steven Kurt’s informative article, “Why do some people dismiss ADHD?” Steven Kurt describes the lionized truth behind the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Kurt describes how it’s linked with school dropouts, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse. He has a PhD and is part of the ABPP (American Board of Professional Psychology). Stating that not treating ADHD properly is the main problem, he suggests getting the disorder treated rather than discarding the possibility of it.…

    • 415 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Over the past 40 years there has been a great deal of controversy regarding the distribution of the leading stimulant Ritalin among ADHD patients. Many critics feel that the drug is widely overprescribed. “Additionally, they claim that Ritalin (methylphenidate) is inherently dangerous and that the entire system of the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is seriously flawed,” (Safer, 2000). On the other hand, there are individuals that have dealt with ADHD patients first hand and swear by the beneficial results they have witnessed. The major points of both supporters and critics will be expressed throughout this paper. After discussing both positions, the writer of this research paper will present a final conclusion and a personal opinion of the topic.…

    • 1740 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    ADHD Commentary

    • 999 Words
    • 4 Pages

    According to studies there are more than an estimated 6 million kids aging in the range of 4 to 17 that’s been diagnosed with ADHD which is an increase of 15 or more percent since studies done in 2007 regarding ADHD and it is over a 40 percent increase from in the past ten years. Most of the children diagnosed with ADHD have received prescriptions to use stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse, which are known to tremendously improve individuals’ lives that suffer with ADHD however these drugs can result to an individual to have anxiety, psychosis, and can lead to addiction. Many of people are floored at the astronomical numbers such as a professor of Yale that studies medicine where he states “Mild symptoms are being diagnosed so readily, which goes well beyond the disorder and the zone of ambiguity to pure enhancement of children who are otherwise healthy” (Dr. W. Graf, 2013). To make matters worse there will be a larger number of teenagers that are going to be prescribed Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin in the foreseeable future because the APA (American Psychiatric Association) is considering changing the meaning and definitions of ADHD to allow room for more individuals to be diagnosed with the disorder which means more will be treated with stimulants. ADHD is normally described by many doctors as a result of chemical levels abnormity that is associated in the brain that impair an individual’s attention skills and impulses control (NIMH, 2013).…

    • 999 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders among children. ADHD can cause them to be hyper, have problems controlling impulse behaviors and trouble paying attention. The common treatment for ADHD is both medication and behavioral therapies starting as early as age four going up into adulthood. This paper will cover the research studies of four different treatments for AHDH to include stimulant medication, non-stimulant medications, behavior therapy, and the natural approach. With the increase in both children diagnosed with ADHD and the amount of children who are being medicated for ADHD, are stimulant medications the best option when other treatments are available when following the research studies?…

    • 2318 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Look Into Adhd

    • 613 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Since ADHD is a chronic disorder it cannot be cured, but there is medication available to help with the symptoms of ADHD. This kind of medication is not available over the counter. The main types of ADHD drugs are methylphenidates, one of which is Ritalin. Ritalin is classified as a psych stimulate drug. It also comes in a variety of forms: straight Ritalin, SR Ritalin, Metadate CD and ED, Focalin TM, and the strongest of them all Concerta (Nagera and Emeritus). ADHD drugs are a fast working “chill pill”. They help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, but there are good and bad traits about these medications. Some good traits about these drugs is it helps a person with: less trouble with school and homework, fidgeting, being able to control emotions, being patient and with impulsiveness, have better relationships with friends and family, and it increases self-esteem(Brayden). With good there is also bad, so the bad traits of ADHD drugs are: dizziness, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, dry mouth, and mood swings. A person with ADHD shows three major characteristic traits; inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In these characteristic traits there are sub traits. Some sub symptoms of inattention are: difficulty concentrating, unrelated thoughts, unable to focus and keep attention on one thing, acts like they are not listening, has difficulty planning, organizing, and completing tasks on time, problems learning new things, and poor modification of different situations. In the category hyperactivity, the symptoms include: not being able to sit still, being fidgety, deals with more than one activity, and tries to multi-task. The last category is impulsivity; there are only two symptoms which are: acting before they think and being impatient (American Speech). In order to diagnose a person with ADHD they have to meet certain criteria set by the DSM-IV. The person must have at least six symptoms for six months in both categories A and B. Category A contains the…

    • 613 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Adhd Medication Impact

    • 132 Words
    • 1 Page

    Attention deficit disorder is one of the most popular childhood disorders whose symptoms include hyperactivity, impetuousness, and inattention. Professionals concur that it is a hard-to-diagnose, complex disorder, which implies that no single test can reveal ADHD’s presence. The most popular treatment approach involves using medication, behavioral, and psychological therapies (Ardoin & Martens, 2012). Regardless, parents who are considering ADHD medication for the child are advised to understand how the medications work and accompanying risks. Some medications are effective in treating ADHD, but some children exhibit harmful and uncomfortable side effects. Accordingly, the current research is a…

    • 132 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Adhd Research Paper

    • 1608 Words
    • 7 Pages

    For the past 100 years how to treat children with ADHD has been among controversy. I am sure you are wondering what is ADHD? Several families have found themselves asking the same questions. ADHD is a common developmental and behavioral disorder. It is characterized by poor concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulses that are inappropriate for the child's age. Children with ADHD are easily distracted by sights and sounds in their environment, cannot concentrate for long periods of time, are restless and impulsive, or have a tendency to daydream and be slow to complete tasks. (webcenter.health.webmd.netscape.com/content/article/45/1663-51211, 2006). In my research…

    • 1608 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Best Essays

    Adhd My Perspective

    • 3177 Words
    • 13 Pages

    I have seen a lot of children receiving medication as a treatment and I have a feeling that there are some instances of over diagnosis and over treatment. There are three questions of important to the study and it concerns the treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). First should educators and health care professionals determine a students learning style before labeling a child as being ADHD? Secondly are the diagnostic tools enough to diagnose and manage children who have been determined as having ADHD? Finally, why isn’t behavioral therapy considered as the first line of treatment? There are some children that benefit from counseling or from structured therapy. Even though this may not work for all students I wonder if they how many take the time to try before they medicate.…

    • 3177 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Good Essays

    8 to 10% of children in the 2nd through 5th grades were found to routinely take ADHD medication in school during the 1995-96 school year. (www.thenaturalbeat.com) With the growing numbers of children being diagnosed with AD(H)D since 1996, research shows that more and more kids are taking medications and do not go a day without them. In a group of about 15 third grade boys, 9 out of the 15 moms required their sons to take their medication at an overnight event…

    • 1494 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The information presented in this paper will address the issues related to the increase in ADHD in people. First, there is an increase in individuals diagnosed, not only children. Then, the effects the diagnosis of ADHD have a great impact on their lives. Finally, as there is yet a cure, there are multiple effective treatments for ADHD symptoms.…

    • 1983 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    A Medicated America

    • 2706 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Should children with ADHD be medicated? Many parents, physicians, and teachers may say yes, but I believe there are too many risks for children with ADHD to be medicated. Parents in America are often turning to medication as a first option for their children instead of seeking alternative methods of medication and therapy. The Food and Drug Administration reported that some 10.8 million prescriptions were dispensed for children with ADHD in 2002 (Roberts). Taking the appropriate and safe measures in helping children is a parent’s job. Pumping children with medication that will make them quiet and zoned out is irresponsible on the parent’s part. The FDA reported that between 1999 and 2003, 19 children died after taking prescription amphetamines, the medications used to treat ADHD. These are the same drugs for which the number of prescriptions written rose 500 percent from 1991 to 2000 (Roberts). Children with ADHD are being medicated unnecessarily now more than ever. A key problem is that there is no biological test or blood test that can identify the disorder. In many situations, children who are hyper and disruptive in school or have difficulties concentrating are diagnosed with ADHD. The reality is there are plenty of possible alternatives as to why children are behaving this way.…

    • 2706 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Are young children early on exposed to psychotropic medications due to lack of medical attention? Do millions of children in these countries really have ADD or ADHD? These questions arise all over North America, Great Britain, and Australia. Drugging of children at young ages is the result of self-diagnoses, teacher diagnoses, and lack of medical care and treatment for children with the “disease” of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the documentary The Drugging of our Children, Gary Null, Forever Living Products, 2005, DVD Web, brings about the argument. Back in the 1980’s and 1990’s children began to be put on many different drugs for their behavior in school, the main drug being Ritalin. In the documentary, Null speaks out to parents of children that are on medication by interviewing many different parents, physicians, and education committees about the use of Ritalin and other psychotropic medications in young children. All of these things that are being evaluated of the child’s behavior is at school, and is compared to the expected behavior of that particular teacher’s classroom. The film goes on explain how teachers diagnose those more challenging students with either ADD or ADHD and have them forced to put their kid on a medication to “cure” their so called disease. After showing each case and their stories, the film also reflects the long term effects of the medications also.…

    • 1008 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    ADHD medication

    • 354 Words
    • 2 Pages

    A debate has risen over the past ten years, questioning the fact of doctors over diagnosing ADHD medication to children and adults. Attention deficit disorder is a range of behavioral disorders occurring in children and adults, including such symptoms as poor concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity to say the least. There has been an alarming increase of diagnosis and treatment for attention deficit disorder, this has people writing articles and performing studies to show the pro and cons that both support and oppose the increase of diagnosis.…

    • 354 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Debate Adhd Debate

    • 354 Words
    • 2 Pages

    There has been a debate over whether ADHD is being overdiagnosed, thus overmedicating patients. The rate of ADHD diagnoses has increased immensely. In 1990, 900,000 youths were diagnosed with the disorder; while in 2000, three to four million children are diagnosed with the disorder (Mayes, 2009). This increased rate can be attributed to many factors. The age range for the diagnosis of ADHD has broadened, allowing more children as young as four to be diagnosed with the disorder (Rubin, 2011). Previously, a child had to be at least six years old to be diagnosed with the disorder. Medicaid money spent on pharmaceuticals, much of which is spent on stimulants (which are used to combat ADHD symptoms), increased by $6.1 million from 1991…

    • 354 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Academic performance of adolescents with ADHD and other behavioural and learning problems -a population-based longitudinal study. Acta Paediatrica, 100(3), 402-406. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.02048.x…

    • 1118 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays