Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly known as a condition in which one (usually in childhood) is easily distracted; unable to focus on and complete a task; has an abundance of energy or hyperactivity; impulsive in speech and actions; restless, and often times suffers from sleeplessness. The condition can show itself in any combination of the above characteristics. Although ADHD has been spoken of for years, it is a highly controversial topic. The controversy of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) takes shape with the arguments that ADHD is not a disease, the subjective testing leads to an over-diagnoses of ADHD, and the role of stimuli such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) as a treatment further fuel the criticism …show more content…
Due to the limitations of scientific testing, “The diagnosis of ADHD remains a clinical one based on taking history” (Hammerness 91). The diagnostic assessment test is composed of a culmination of research based developmentally appropriate behaviors. This type of assessment test is subjective in that its basis stems from researchers’ estimation of what is considered developmentally appropriate and what is not. Moreover, the assessment is conducted by psychiatrists and physicians through interviews of those that are in contact with the individual being tested. Again, the interviews are subjective in that it depends on the interviewees impression on the person being screened. The subjective nature of this type of clinical testing can lead to an over or misdiagnosis of ADHD. According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ADHD diagnosis in children in the United States, is on the rise. Figure 1 shows an increase from 7% to 9% of the combined average of males and females, from age 5 to 17, ever diagnosed with ADHD from 1998 to 2009. …show more content…
This is a concern to professionals and nonprofessionals alike. Research shows “The use of Ritalin and related ADHD drugs are on the rise in children. In 1996, an estimated 1.5 million American schoolchildren (approximately 3-5% of all U.S. schoolchildren) were taking Ritalin. By 2001, approximately 4 to 6 million children (approximately 5-8% of schoolchildren) were taking Ritalin daily.” It goes on to state, “An increase in ADHD diagnoses is the contributing factor to the increase in Ritalin consumption” (9). Professionals agree that the use of stimulants, such as Ritalin, are very effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. Nonetheless, there is concern about the long reaching effects and the addictive nature of stimulant use. It is important to note, however, that stimulants have proven to be safe and effective, if taken as recommended by a health professional. The American Academy of Pediatrics contends that, “Stimulants have been the widest and best studied of any group of medications for the behavioral and emotional problems faced by children” (Reiff 54). The use of stimulants, when prescribed correctly, effectively calms and focuses a child with ADHD, without “making a child someone he is not”
A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, methylphenidate—more commonly known as Ritalin—is drug prescribed in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) ((1)). AD/HD, by definition, is "developmentally inappropriate behavior, including poor attention skills, impulsivity, and hyperactivity" sustained for more than 6 months, appearing usually during childhood2 ((2)). Figures estimate an approximate 3-5% of children are affected by the disorder. Differing views, however, exist about the legitimacy of the majority of these diagnoses. In light of this, the object of this assessment is to examine the bodily and societal implications of methylphenidate.
diagnosis entails more than this simple explanation. ADHD is a condition that must be evaluated
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cites Ritalin, or Methylphenidate, as a central nervous system stimulant that has a focusing and calming effect on children and adults diagnosed with ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 3–5% of the general population has ADHD, which is characterized as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. This statistic indicates that one child in every classroom in America has ADHD.
"Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review of Stimulant Medications Used in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)." U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page. 20 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. .
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is broadly described as a neurobehavioral disorder where a person has difficulty paying attention and complying with basic commands. On a biological level, ADHD is hereditary, where a parent passes the disorder to their offspring through genes, while on a cellular level, ADHD affects cell functions such as cellular respiration, more specifically, glucose metabolism (Zimmer, 2009). The public’s perception is clear; ADHD has an over diagnosing problem at a systemic level, where doctors in the United States over diagnose children with ADHD. However, a review of the evidence for and against the argument of ADHD over diagnosing suggest that the disorder does not suffer from an over diagnosing problem. Finally, while there are several methods used to treat ADHD, including medication and behavioral correction therapy, an
One of the main treatments for ADHD is the use of medication. Primarily the main medication used is stimulants such as amphetamines. Amphetamines have been used in this treatment due to its effects of reducing the symptoms of ADHD such as behavior and irritability (Hodgkins, Shaw, McCarthy, Sallee, 2012). A major concern though with the use of amphetamines is...
U.S. Heath News reported (2013) that 6.4 million children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since 2007, the utilization of stimulant medication to treat ADHD has jumped 11% nationally as a whole. It was also reported that the U.S. spends more on prescription drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than it does for all but six other medical conditions (U.S. News Health, 2013). The number of ADHD diagnosed teens prescribed stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, will be increasing over time as the new guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics now recognizes physicians prescribing ADHD stimulant medications to childre...
ADHD, or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. There are many symptoms associated with ADHD but the most common include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Scientists are not exactly sure of what causes ADHD but they are more comfortable with the idea that a lot of different factors play a role in its development, such as, genes, environment, brain injuries, sugar, and food additives. The most widely used treatment is the drugs but this is not the only way to treat ADHD.
Chandler, C. (2011). The Science of ADHD: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. New York:
Nine percent of children between the ages of five and seventeen are diagnosed with ADHD in the United States (CDC). About 3 million kids that are on ADHD medication are prescribed Ritalin or Adderall. Most people and psychologists see ADHD as a true disorder, then theres those who think the complete opposite. Are children being overmedicated and over-diagnosed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Some medications are not always the answer.
Kelland, Kate. "Children with ADHD say stimulant drugs help them: study." Huffington Post. 10 14 2012: n. page. Web. 9 Apr. 2014.
ADHD is an exceedingly real diagnosis for many children in the United States. Are we over diagnosing our little ones just to keep from dealing with unpleasant behavior? “ On average 1 of every 10 to 15 children in the United States has been diagnosed with the disorder, and 1 in every 20 to 25 uses a stimulant medication” (Mayes, Bagwell, & Erkulwater, 2008). Several believe that virtually all ADHD diagnoses are retractable with appropriate discipline of children instead of being so hasty in medicating them. The material found on the CDC website describes facts about ADHD, it clarifies the signs, symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis tools, and treatment forms of ADHD. What the article neglects to go into is the reality that there is a considerable amount of controversy surrounding ADHD. The CDCs usage of ethos, pathos, and logos and by what method the website manipulates them to affect the reader will be the basis of this paper.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. (Elia, Ambrosini, Rapoport, 1999) It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, with approximately 60% to 80% of these children experiencing persistence of symptoms into adolescence and adulthood, causing a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain. There are two types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an inattentive type and a combined type. The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This behaviour stops ADHD sufferers from focussing deliberately on organising and completing a specific task that they may not enjoy, learning new skills or information is proved to be impossible. An example of such behaviour is recognised by the report written by the National Institute of Mental Health where one of the subjects under study was unable to pass schooling examinations due to her inattentive behaviour. Such behaviour can damage the person's relationships with others in addition to disrupting their daily life, consuming energy, and diminishing self-esteem. (National Institute of Mental Health 1999) There are also secondary symptoms which are associated with ADHD, such as learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, tic disorders, and conduct disorders. (Spencer, Biederman, and Wilens 1999 in Monastra V, Monastra D, George, 2002)
The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to separate the myths of the disorder from the truths, while discovering the causes, diagnosis methods, and best treatment alternatives to battle this prevalent disorder.
The CDC informs of the viewer of that there are a several steps to take for a diagnosis. Pointing out that there serval steps will aid the health care professional to determine if the child does indeed have ADHD and not misdiagnose the patent. Additionally, taking the all the steps in the diagnosis process can confirm or rule out that the patent does have ADHD. The web site informs the potential for other issues such as learning disability, anxiety or even depression (CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html). The CDC and other medical facilities are conducting continues research for ADHD. Additional research could mean better diagnosis, earlier intervention to treat ADHD. It is important to remember that the CDC is only giving information based research that has been conducted. A correct diagnosis must come from a qualified health care professional and not just reading it from a web