According to Raymond Goldberg’s article in 2012, ADHD is the number- one childhood psychiatric disorder in the United States (Goldberg, 2012). ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a disorder that is typically characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This article by Goldberg explores whether the use of Ritalin and other stimulants should be implemented as treatment for school-age children with ADHD. With ADHD specifically, Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed drug, and around “90% of all Ritalin produced worldwide is consumed by American children” (Goldberg, 2012, p. 265). When understanding this extremely high amount of usage by children in the United States, it is no surprise to wonder whether the …show more content…
To explore this issue, Goldberg covers the two varying sides to the question of using these stimulants as treatment for school-aged children. In support of Ritalin and other stimulants is writer Michael Fumento, who contends that despite the many myths that surround stimulant use for ADHD treatment, Ritalin does not lead to abuse or addiction in children. While seemingly paradoxical, the reason that stimulants are being used as treatment, Ritalin specifically, is due to their enhancement in the functioning of the brain’s reticular activation system. This helps one to focus attention while filtering out external stimuli which serves the purpose of diminishing one of the main effects of ADHD, inattentiveness. Fumento explored various myths that revolve around 1) considering ADHD as a real concern and 2) using stimulants to treat said disorder. Many myths surrounding ADHD are either the fundamental belief by many individuals that it is not a real disorder or that stimulants are being used to cover-up bad parenting, help lazy teachers not wanting to discipline and teach children, and the over prescribing of the …show more content…
Since Ritalin is taken orally and not smoked, the abuse potential from getting an addictive high is significantly decreased. This study found that when comparing methylphenidate to the placebo/no-intervention group, there may be improvements in ADHD symptoms and general behavior in children and adolescents (Storeb, 2023). The study further reinforces the importance of conducting more research to understand the true magnitude of effects While this source supports the idea of using stimulants to help with ADHD, I was definitely concerned about learning how they can be abused even if they are not a potentially addictive drug. The over-prescription of Ritalin along with the negative effects Ritalin may have, as previously mentioned, are also other serious concerns to consider. In order to impede the over prescription and misuse/abuse of these stimulants, I believe the best approach to take is to consider having stricter regulations when diagnosing children and prescribing the drugs. Stimulants can have an enhancing effect on anyone regardless of whether they have ADHD, which is why it is so vital to properly diagnose children and be mindful when prescribing the