Ritalin A Drug Of Controversy Essay Research

Ritalin A Drug Of Controversy Essay, Research Paper

RITALIN: A DRUG OF CONTRAVERSY

During the summer of 1999, my daughter was prescribed the medication Ritalin. At first thought, my wife and I were happy knowing our daughter would be able to succeed successfully in her life endeavors. After dealing with many problems in school, from grades kindergarten through 4th grade, we dealt with: behavior problems; attitude problems; and problems of getting along with other kids, just to name a few. During 3rd grade she was even separated from the rest of the class, with her desk being placed in the back of the class, next to the student teachers desk. So there was definitely a reason for joy.

But the joy was short lived after my wife began hearing negative things about the drug. So many bad things it became a concern weather our search in helping Amber was really over. Questions began arising, why is the percentage of children on Ritalin rising so fast. What are the long term effects of the drug. Is Ritalin societies way of dealing with children that are considered different.

Some background regarding Ritalin and the illness it is used to treat may be helpful. METHYLPHENIDATE (Ritalin) is used to treat, ATTENTION DEFICIT-

DISORDER / ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER, in children as well as some adults. This drug is from a family of drugs known as, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANTS.

It is the first drug of choice for children that have a severe concentration of attention problem.

What is A.D.H.D (A.D.D.). The official definition as it appears in the, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association is:

A.D.H.D. is a disorder order that can include a list of nine specific symptoms of attention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity / impulsivity.

Individuals with A.D.H.D. have been demonstrated to arise in early childhood for most individuals. This disorder is marked by chronic behaviors lasting at least six months with an onset often before seven years of age. At this time, four subtypes of ADHD have been defined. These include the following:

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1) ADHD = Inattentive type is defined by an individual experiencing at least six of the following characteristics:

A Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

B – Difficulty sustaining attention.

C does not appear to listen.

D Struggles to follow through on instructions.

E Difficulty with organization.

F Avoids or dislikes requiring sustained mental effort.

G Often loses things necessary for tasks.

H Easily distracted.

I Forgetful in daily activities.

2) ADHD = Hyperactive type is defined by an individual experiencing six of the

following:

A Fidgets with hands of feet or squirms in seat.

B Difficulty remaining seated.

C Runs about or climbs excessively (adults may be limited to subjective restlessness)

D Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.

E Acts as if driven by a motor,

F Talks excessively.

G Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

H Difficulty waiting in turn taking situations.

I Interrupts or intrudes upon others.

3) ADHD = Combined type is defined by and individual meeting both sets of attention and hyperactive / impulsive criteria.

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4) ADHD = not otherwise specified is defined by an individual who demonstrates some characteristics but an insufficient number of symptoms to reach a full diagnosis. These symptoms, however, disrupt every day life.

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Adults suffering from ADHD, are often described as experiencing symptoms very similar to the problems experienced by children. Often restless, easily distracted, struggle to sustain attention, are impulsive and impatient. In the work place they generally do not achieve vocational positions or status commensurate with their siblings or intellectual ability. Also, children and adults who suffer from ADHD exhibit degrees of inattention or hyperactivity / impulsivity that are abnormal for their ages. This usually results in serious social problems, or impairment, of family relationships success at school or work or in other life endeavors.

Other definitions have existed, like that of Attention Deficit disorder, or ADD. These use different labels for the same conditions and can be interchanged with ADHD.

ADHD/ADD are illnesses that affect millions of our children, their families and our society. Though accepted as a disability by our local governments, our preschool and public school systems are not educated nor adept enough to allow those with moderate to severe cases to remain in the least restrictive environment. How they meet the needs of these individuals today will affect society as a whole tomorrow.

Having discussed the background of Ritalin, and what illness it is designed to help, this is where the controversy begins. Having medical practitioners as well as school systems quick to prescribe Ritalin, as most lack the knowledge of what it is these individuals are prescribing.

Some doctors believe the drug is not prescribed enough, as is the case with Dr. Michael Artman of the Veterans Affairs Medical C

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