Overprescribing Ritalin in the United States
Running head: Overprescribing Ritalin
Overprescribing Ritalin in the United States
Abstract
Ritalin has become one of the most widely used stimulant prescriptions among ADHD patients in the United States. Over the past 40 years, the controlled drug has sparked heated debates over whether doctors overprescribe the drug. There are many critics that believe doctors should try alternate forms of treatment before administering the drug. On the controversy, there are also many supporters who swear by the medication, claiming it saved their relationship with their child or loved one. Throughout this research paper, the writer will expose both view points.
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.
Before discussing whether Ritalin is overprescribed, it is important to understand the history and purpose of the drug. Ritalin was first introduced to the public in the 1950’s in order to treat hyperactivity. In the early 1960s, the disorder was labeled "Minimal Brain Dysfunction". At the end of the 1960’s the name of the disorder was changed to "Hyperkinetic Disorder of Childhood." Gradually, new symptoms were added to the description of the disorder. “Along with hyperactivity, added symptoms were lack of focus and spaceyness associated with
Overprescribing Ritalin in the United States
Abstract
Ritalin has become one of the most widely used stimulant prescriptions among ADHD patients in the United States. Over the past 40 years, the controlled drug has sparked heated debates over whether doctors overprescribe the drug. There are many critics that believe doctors should try alternate forms of treatment before administering the drug. On the controversy, there are also many supporters who swear by the medication, claiming it saved their relationship with their child or loved one. Throughout this research paper, the writer will expose both view points.
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.
Before discussing whether Ritalin is overprescribed, it is important to understand the history and purpose of the drug. Ritalin was first introduced to the public in the 1950’s in order to treat hyperactivity. In the early 1960s, the disorder was labeled "Minimal Brain Dysfunction". At the end of the 1960’s the name of the disorder was changed to "Hyperkinetic Disorder of Childhood." Gradually, new symptoms were added to the description of the disorder. “Along with hyperactivity, added symptoms were lack of focus and spaceyness associated with
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