Too Much, Too Soon Essay -- Diseases, Disorders

Children are full of energy naturally, but there are some people who determined this to be a problem. According to Julian Haber, â€Å"More than 90 percent of methylphenidate (Ritalin) is produced and prescribed for children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder† (2). Doctors, teachers, and parents who support this medication claim that it helps children focus their energy and stay task oriented. However, they should also take a close look at possible long term effects this type of medication may have mentally and physically. Children today are tomorrow’s adults so it is critical to make the right choices when dealing with the future. American children are being prescribed medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) more than ever before because this is a relatively new disease, which contributes to the lack of options available for treatment and creates a greater chance of not only being over diagnosed but also misdiagnosed. ADHD is a name that is becoming more relevant in households across America. The characteristics that define ADHD have been around as long as mankind. This disease is defined as: â€Å"a childhood mental disorder with onset before 7 years of age and involving impaired or diminished attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity† (Mosby’s Medical Dictionary 166). There have always been differences in people that allow some to be more/less outgoing, more/less focused, or more/less impulsive. The change is not the actions of people with these differences, rather, the change comes from the perception of society as a whole and whether this behavior is acceptable or not. A child that is accompanied with erratic behavior is viewed as a problem and the assumption is occasionally made ... ...cine were not available and this gives most people an open mind about taking medication but there must be extreme caution used when dealing with something as potent as certain medications. The main goal is to prepare future generations for success and provide a clear understanding to children about when it is necessary to take medication and when it is not. Doing the right thing starts with the leaders of today. Works Cited Breggin, Peter R. Talking Back To Ritalin. Revised ed. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing, 2001. 5, 6, 64. Print. Haber, Julian S. The Great Misdiagnosis ADHD. Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing Company, 2000. 2, 22. Print. "ADHD." Mosby's Medical Dictionary. 8th ed. 2009. 165-66. Print. Taylor, John F. The Hyperactive Child And The Family The Complete What-To-Do Handbook. Pickering, Ontario, Canada: Beaverbooks, 1980. 17, 61. Print.