The Proper Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is thought to effect between two and seven percent of all childhood population, and roughly five percent of all adults. (Heal and Pierce 713-738, Weiss and Weiss 27-37) Kids and adults with ADHD exhibit a wide variety of symptoms ranging from inattention to impulsivity to hyperactivity, all of which can be treated with a correct application of modern medicine. (Jones 12-20) But as concerned parents look harder at modern treatments many begins to raise concerns about unwelcomed and unnecessary side effects such as increased chances of problematic cardiovascular issues. (Heal and Pierce 713-738) It is through these new concerns that alternative methods such as Psychotherapy and other natural treatments have been used to remedy ADHD symptoms. (Jones 12-20) With good evidence existing on both sides, a proper analysis must be completed to properly compare the two treatment methods.

In 1944 a scientist employed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geigy AG synthesized a compound named Methylphenidate. (Morton and Stockton 159-164) Known as Ritalin to most ordinary users, Methylphenidate was quickly used to treat many conditions such as “…chronic fatigue and lethargic and depressed states, including those associated with tranquilizing agents and other drugs; disturbed senile behavior; psychoneuroses and psychoses associated with depression; and…narcolepsy” (Ritalin 441) As time progressed, Methylphenidate quickly became popular in the treatment of ADHD. Since ADHD is “thought to be caused by an inadequate supply of dopamine and norepinephrine to the brain…” Ritalin’s ability to boost dopamine levels is a quick way to reduce symptoms in the short term. (Gorman and Blackman) Testing res...

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...en C. Wells, and Timothy Wigal., "Which Treatment for Whom for ADHD? Mederators of Treatment Response in the MTA." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 71.3 (2003): 540-552. Print.

(Owens, Hinshaw, Arnold, Cantwell, Elliott, Hechtman, Jensen, Newcorn, Severe, Vitiello, Kraemer, Abikoff, Conners, Greenhill, Hoza, March, Pelham, Swanson, Wells, and Wigal 540-552)

Verster, Joris C., Evelijne M. Bekker, J. J. Sandra Kooij, Jan K. Buitelaar, and Marinus N. Verbaten. "Methylphenidate Significantly Improves Declarative Memory Functioning of Adults with ADHD." Psychopharmacology. 212 (2010): 277-281. Print.

(Verster, Bekker, Kooij, Buitelaar, Verbaten, Volkerts, and Olivier 277-281)

Weiss, Margaret D., and Jacqueline R. Weiss. "A Guide to the Treatment of Adults with ADHD." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 65.3 (2004): 27-37. Print.

(Weiss and Weiss 27-37)

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