Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders among children and adolescents. ADHD is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development (Joughin, Carol; Ramchandani, Paul; Zwi, Morris 2). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD affects 3 to 5 percent of all children. NIMH states "On average at least one student in every classroom is in need of help for the disorder- (National Institute of mental health). Stimulant medications, such as Adderall, have become the most common and effective treatments in treating people with ADHD.
Psycho-stimulant compounds, such as Adderall are the most widely used medication for management of ADHD related symptoms. Psycho-stimulant medications were first administered to children with behavior and learning problems in 1937. It is believed that psycho-stimulant medications change the levels of important transmitter chemicals in the brain. These neurotransmitters help the different nerve cells to communicate among themselves. Between 70-80 percent of children with ADHD respond positively to these medications.
Studies on Adderall have shown it to be a safe effective treatment for ADHD and similar attention disorders. Adderall contains a mix of amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine which are stimulants (whatmeds.com). Adderall is used to improve attention span, increase ability to follow directions, decrease distractibility and decrease impulsivivity (Brown University 1). Adderall which is available in 10mg and 20 mg double scored tablets is generally well tolerated with few adverse reactions reported (Brown University 2).
While adverse reactions to adderall are low there are some side effects that are common to most stimulants medications.
