Drug Use And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (...

Ritalin is a prescription drug used primarily in the treatment of behavioural problems in children such as Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (National Drug Intelligence Centre 2006). It is estimated that 11 percent of Australians between the ages of 6 to 17 are affected by ADD or ADHD and the amount of Ritalin being prescribed has doubled in the last 10 years ( Schriever 2012). The brand name for Ritalin is methylphenidate, a drug that stimulates the central nervous system. Its primary use is to stimulate the brain and improve concentration, therefore helping the child control impulsive behaviour and overactivity (Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne 2010). When a child is taken to see a doctor for behavioural problems the General Practitioner will refer these children to a child phycologist or paediatrician. They are then examined and asked a series of questions which inevitably leads to being diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and leaving with a prescription for Ritalin (G Bell 2014). This medication has been known to cause adverse side effects in many children. There is also the problem of misdiagnosing the child’s condition and with the view that alternative treatments are available, Ritalin should not be used as a first solution in the treatment of behavioural problems in children. Ritalin should not be used as a first option due to the ongoing side effects that some children suffer from taking this medication. There areShow MoreRelatedAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( Adhd )1552 Words   |  7 PagesATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER Seth was a second grader at West Elementary. He constantly got reprimanded by his teachers for not paying attention in class. He could not understand the information given to him during the school day. He thought he was stupid and useless. 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