ADHD is a neurologically based syndrome characterized by hyperactivity, distractibili

However, some doctors, parents, and educators argue that ADHD is not a real disorder. Currently, there is no unifying biological proof supporting ADHD, which makes the disorder and its treatment highly controversial. There is no doubt that putting certain children in a classroom together or in certain situations will create a problem scenario, and as Netherwood tells us, “some factions blame poor parenting, others blame the school system, and yet others blame the drugs and treatments” (Australian Parents 16).

The most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD are psycho-stimulants such as Ritalin, the long term side effects of which are unknown. Some say that because these medications do not stay in the body for long, there are no long term side effects – but that is not known for sure (Australian Parents 17). Information from a 1999 workshop on the long term effects of stimulant medication from the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that the effects of stimulant medication for ADHD children has been documented up to about 2 years of treatment, but they “have not conclusively addressed the long term effects of stimulant treatment of ADHD on important outcomes such as rate of psychopathology, incidence of substance abuse and dependence, antisocial behavior, accidents, educational achievement, social adjustment, and occupational status.” Such information is essential due to the many developmental changes children experience while being treated with stimulants such as Ritalin. In addition, an animal study on Ritalin has indicated that the drug may have a weak potential to cause cancer. Further studies are needed to be certain of the long term outcomes and effects of stimulants. It is known that these mind-altering drugs can dramatically affect behavior, have a high potential for abuse, and some of the side effects listed by Dixie Farley in FDA Consumer Magazine can include nervousness, difficulty sleeping, and appetite loss. Less common side effects are skin rash, nausea, dizziness, he

Some topics in this essay:
Family Physician, Australian Parents, Hyperactivity Disorder, Mental Health, Columbia Encyclopedia, Academy Pediatrics, Enforcement Administration, Consumer Magazine, ADHD Inattention, Opponents ADHD, children adhd, term effects, australian parents, adhd real, effects stimulant, child progress academically, parents 17, sights sounds, unimportant sights, child progress, disorders childhood, american family physician, australian parents 17, term effects stimulant, adhd real disorder,