Ritalin and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Ritalin and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Ritalin or methylphenidate is a stimulant derived from the same family as cocaine. It is being dispensed with a speed and nonchalance compatible with our drive-through culture, yet entirely at odds with good medicine and common sense. Ritalin does help some people pay attention and function better. But an excessive amount of children and adults are being prescribed Ritalin. Is Ritalin over-prescribed in today's society? The American Psychiatric Association has devised guidelines, which is stated in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for diagnosing, prescribing, and monitoring this disorder and sometimes-useful drug. There is no independent valid test for ADHD. There is not a laboratory test, or a physical examination that has been established to clinically assess this disorder. The guidelines for assessing the disorder are nothing but a list of disruptive behaviors (Clarke, 1997). Millions of America's children (Millions of American children) have been labeled with this disorder and put on Ritalin. Studies show that Ritalin prescriptions fluctuate dramatically depending on how parents and teachers perceive "misbehavior" and how tolerant
Ritalin has increased sales by 700% since 1990 (Carlisle, 2002). The abusers use the drug as a form of "speed" to pick themselves up. More common but milder side effects include nervousness and sleeplessness. By telling patients that their failures, misbehavior and unhappiness are caused by a disorder that is beyond their control, does this not weaken their motivation to change on their own? In many cases where ADHD is misdiagnosed in children, we give parents the illusion that their child's problems have nothing to do with the home environment or with their performance as parents. They take a pill (either orally, or by crushing it and snorting-much like cocaine, or they emulsify it in water and inject it like heroine) and cram for an exam. One way is for recreational purposes. Some people probably do merit the diagnosis of ADHD and Ritalin to treat it. In light of methylphenidate's abuse liability, it is important to note the tremendous increase in availability of this substance and the expanded population (adolescents and adults) receiving prescriptions for the treatment of ADHD. Ritalin treats the symptoms of ADHD, not the disorder itself. Although there are many harmful side effects and social problems related to Ritalin, many advocates claim that Ritalin is a vital part of controlling ADHD. With the demand for Ritalin growing, we must be increasingly wary about doling out a drug that can be beneficial but is more harmful. First, milligram per milligram, Ritalin is far more potent than cocaine or amphetamines. Ritalin can worsen underlying anxiety, depression, psychosis and seizures.
Common topics in this essay:
Briefing Book,
Studies Ritalin,
ADHD Ritalin,
Disorder Ritalin,
Mental Disorders,
Millions American,
Ritalin Ritalin,
Psychiatric Association,
Millions America's,
cocaine amphetamines,
DEA Briefing,
dea briefing book,
dea briefing,
carlisle 2002,
clarke 1997,
briefing book,
ritalin prescriptions,
disorder ritalin,
stimulant drug,
drug abused,
diagnose adhd,
|
Acceptance Essays
