Ritalin And Its Uses Essay -- essays research papers

Ritalin and Its Uses     In recent years, more and more kids seem to be on a prescription drugcalled Ritalin(methylphenidate). This drug is being transfer out more and more bydoctors as a way of treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a complexneurological impairnment that prevents kids from concentrating. According tothe Drug Enforcement Agency, it flush fron 200 grams per 100,000 people to over1400 grams per 100,000 people in the last fifteen years. The National Instituteof Mental Health estimates that about one student in every classroom is believedto experience the disorder. The rate of Ritalin use in the United States is atleast five times higher than in the reprieve of the world according to federalstudies. Are doctors only if catching this disabling affliction more often? Ordoes society just want a convenient way to solve a complicated problem.     Ritalin is a central nervous sy curtain call stimulant that is somewhat si milarto amphetamines. It was created in 1955, separate as a controlled substancein 1971, and became the drug of choice for ADHD in 1981. It is also used intreating narcolepsy. It is thought to activate the brain stem arousal systemand cortex, and, like cocaine, works on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Itappears to increase the levels of dopamine in the frontal lobe where concernand impulsive actions are regulated. When taken in its mean form under adoctors prescritption, it has moderate stimulant straight-lacedties. There has been agreat deal of concern about its addictive qualities and adverse affects.     ADHD is a relatively new disorder. It was introduced in 1980, where itwas labeled ADD(attention deficit disorder). In the 1950s, children weresimply labeled "hyperkinetic." The term "hyperactivity" was added in 1987,hence the name ADHD. Not all children remove the hyperactivity, and thus arelabeled to have ADD. ADD is not treated with Rital in antidepressants are morecommonly used. One of the problems with the label ADHD is that just because achild may be overly hyper, doesnt mean the child is not paying attention. Theproblem is, the child is paying too much attention to too many things at thesame time.     ADHD is childrens 1 childhood psychiatric disorder. The prevalence isthree time... ...ere), irregular heartbeat andrespiration(may be profound and aliveness threatening), anxiety, restlessness,paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, excessive repetition of movements andmeaningless tasks, and formicaton(sensation of bugs or worms crawling under theskin). It seems to be abused by high school kids and college studentspredominantly. Although the drug is too complex to patch up illegally, andit doesnt create the euphoric effect that cocaine has, it seems to be an aid instudying for final exams. It allows students to stay up all night allowing themto cram much easier.It is important to remember that t oo many children in America aresuffering from this ailment, and yet too many kids are getting pills instead ofproper care. Although Ritalin currently seems to be an effective way intreating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, we moldiness not treat thisdisorder hastily. Our society must discharge that prescription drugs can havejust as many complications as street drugs. Befor writing out a prescription,or carelessly diagnosing ADHD, we must remember that these are kids we aredealing with. They put all their faith in us to help them, and not just tomedicate them.