The Ritalin War
Ritalin is a type of methylphenidate that produces a stimulant to the central nervous system (Wed MD). The exact way Ritalin works is unknown, however, we do know that Ritalin is being taken by four to six million children daily (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Pediatricians and doctors are giving this medication to young children in America that have some sort of behavioral problem with very little evidence of its effect. Attention deficit disorder "ADD" and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder "ADHD" are two types of disorders that are behavioral. These disorders are considered to be cause of a chemical imbalance in the brain. ADD and ADHD are not disorder but personality traits however, those who believe it is a disorder say the symptoms are different depending on the individual. Those who believe these are disorders say, "Many are over stimulated, distracted, and restless. Others become hyper vigilant, withdrawn, and compulsive. Others act out, become disruptive or aggressive. All have trouble with self-esteem in their struggle to function" (Reichenberg).Children and adolescents with these disorders are more heavily diagnosed than any other age group. "About 70 percent
The effects previously state are those that have been reported in people over the age of six. of people diagnosed with the disorders use drugs to help manage the symptoms" (Beal). We do however know some of the side effects that are most commonly associated with the drugs. So who decides whether or not to drug a child on a daily basis with a questionable drug? The parents of the child must give the doctor consent to due so. It seems to be that a drug that poses so many problems and differences in opinion would be one that would not be prescribed to children. Some of the positive side effects that prescribed users may experience include an easy to take form, increased ability to concentrate and focus attention, less impulsive behavior, less aggressive behavior, improved grades in school, and improved social life. The ironic part of this is that they receive money for each child on the drugs, which helps explain why they suggest to so many parents that there is something wrong with their child. People with a chemical imbalance do not experience the cocaine like effects, but those who have no chemical imbalance and abuse the medication experience a high associated with drugs. We are learning however that parents are highly uneducated about the drugs which doctors prescribe to their children. Giving a child medicine daily is a negative impact in itself. There are many detrimental side effects associated with these drugs, but the facts are the drugs can cause loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, inability to sleep, stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, mood swings, depression, spastic tics, racing heart, and possibly lover cancer (Beal). Subsequently so, considering the Food and Drug administration considers methylphenidates, Ritalin, a schedule II substance. scientists are preparing for a major clinical trial measuring the effects of Ritalin and other methylphenidates on a previously untested population-children aged three to six. We should all take a step back to look at the situation and think more than twice about prescribing drugs to children.
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