ADHD Medication and Children

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Recommended: Educational implications for ADHD

Not being able to keep still, talking out of turn, and not being able to resist temptation are many traits of a child under the age of twelve; also, the symptoms of a child diagnosed with ADHD. Though there isn’t a test to determine whether or not a child has ADHD many psychiatrists are quick to incline that the child may have this behavioral disorder even though they could just be acting like children. Not only are psychiatrists too quick to diagnose they’re also quick to prescribe medications that have high risks of causing behavioral changes and disruption of the chemical balance within the brain. Children under the age of twelve should never be diagnosed and/or prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many people don’t even know what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders for children. It causes children to be hyperactive, act without thinking, have trouble focusing, and have problems paying attention to instructions. Since many children have these symptoms without having ADHD, Kingsley explains in more detail: Of course, all kids (especially younger ones) act this way at times, particularly when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are present over a longer period of time and occur in different settings. They impair a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home. (Kingsley, MD) This could cause a problem with parents and children alike especially when the child becomes enrolled in school considering that school requires a lot of attention. There are three different types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattent... ... middle of paper ... ...ol and Prevention, 17 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 Mar. 2015. "Medications: Using Them Safely." KidsHealth. Ed. Yamini Durani. The Nemours Foundation, 01 Nov. 2011. Web. 03 Feb. 2015. Paddock, Catherine, PhD. Michigan State University. "Nearly one million children in U.S. potentially misdiagnosed with ADHD, “Science Daily. Science Daily, 17 August 2010. Web. 05 Mar. 2015. "Psychiatric Medication for Children and Adolescents Part III: Questions to Ask." Psychiatric Medication for Children and Adolescents Part III: Questions to Ask. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Feb. 2015. Robinson, Lawrence. "ADD / ADHD Medications." ADD/ADHD Medications: Are ADHD Drugs Right for You or Your Child? N.p., Sept. 2013. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. Shute, Nancy. "Neurologists Warn Against ADHD Drugs To Help Kids Study." NPR. NPR, 14 Mar. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

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