Think about living in a world where sounds, images, and thoughts are constantly changing. You feel easily bored, yet unable to keep your mind on tasks you need to complete. You are distracted by unimportant sights and sounds; your mind shifts you from one thought or activity to the next. Sometimes you are so wrapped up in a surge of thoughts and images that you do not even notice when someone speaks to you.
For many people, this is what it's like to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. They may be unable to sit still, plan ahead, finish tasks, or be fully aware of what's going on around them. To everyone around them they seem to exist in a world of disorganization and frantic activity. Surprisingly on some days suffers of ADHD seem fine, they often lead others to think they can actually control their behaviors. Consequently, the disorder can ruin the person's relationships with others. ADHD also disrupts daily life, consumes an enormous amount of energy, and diminishes self-esteem. .
Early American physicians began to classify people as "mentally deficient" if they had trouble paying attention on demand. Many terms began to describe this condition; among them were minimal brain damage and hyperkinesis. According to Fontenelle in 1980 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) replaced these terms with attention deficit disorder (46). Then in 1987 the APA linked ADD with hyperactivity and the new syndrome was named attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (47).
ADHD often occurs in childhood but an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed. ADHD occurs in 3% to 5% of children in the United States; approximately half of those children continue to have symptoms as adults ("ADHD-Townsend Letter for Dr and Patients", np). Although behaviors of the syndrome are evident in all cultures, they have caused the most attention in the United States. .
ADHD does not have easily identifiable symptoms or definitive diagnostic tests.
Ritalin blocks the reuptake of dopamine. ... The generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. ... The treatment for an overdose of Ritalin is gastric lavage. ... Ritalin is now under new fire; a medical examiner in Michigan has released findings that may link Ritalin to the death of a boy (Diller, 2000). ... Over prescribing Ritalin is a fairly common occurrence. ...
Ritalin Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a Central Nervous System stimulant drug. ... Novartis (formerly Ciba-Geigy) began producing Ritalin about 30 years ago. ... The use of Ritalin began slowly, but as soon as the ADD diagnosis became more common, so did the prescriptions of Ritalin. ... Ritalin is classified by the DEA as a Schedule II drug. ... "Ritalin effect is equal to that of cocaine or amphetamines, however Ritalin is more potent and lasts longer." http://www.students.stedwards.edu/~sgottne/summ5.htm. ...
Ritalin is the drug I am referring to. ... But Ritalin has many negative sides to it. Under "Concerns of Ritalin I found that according to the united States Drug Enforcement Agency, Ritalin is a Class II drug. ... In fact Ritalin has been known to be called a close cousin to speed. ... They have all decided that Ritalin is a bad choice to make. ...
Ritalin is in a class of drugs called Methylphetamines. ... Students are using Ritalin as a study aid. ... They feel that Ritalin gives them this "edge." ... Although there are many harmful side effects and social problems related to Ritalin, many people claim that Ritalin is a vital part of controlling ADD. And in most cases Ritalin has shown proven results. ...
Roots: Psychology "The Over Prescription of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) in Today's Society" It's been said that nearly one out of every thirty Americans between the ages of five and 19 has a prescription to Ritalin (Rowland 2003). ... More people are receiving Ritalin then they should be. ... This is the case with Ritalin. ... Granted, therapy and counseling work best when combined with Ritalin, but they generally use much lower dosages of Ritalin. ... Ritalin does not in fact cure ADHD it only neutralizes its effects. ...
Likewise, there are arguments for and against the use of Ritalin. ... Since ADD/ADHD are not real, Ritalin should not be prescribed. ... The schools have a big part in the rise in Ritalin use as well. ... Advocates of Ritalin, however, still claim that Ritalin is affective and necessary. ... Ritalin can also be an addicting drug. ...
