The over Diagnosis of Adhd and the Abuse of Ritalin Essay Example

brain or blood tests (NClive). Unfortunately, physicians frequently overlook numerous meticulous diagnostic examinations when evaluating a child, opting instead for questionnaires that are not intended to be absolute diagnostic tools and cannot accurately establish a diagnosis (Shwarzbeck). Relying on ambiguous psychological tests and questionnaires poses a risk as children may not always respond consistently, leading to a different diagnosis each time and ultimately increases the likelihood of over diagnosing children.

Similar to other illnesses, if untreated, mental illness can worsen and result in chronic issues. Diagnosing a child with ADHD may be seen as a quick fix due to its familiarity, but it is not a condition any child wants to live with indefinitely. While some children may learn to manage the impacts, others may experience further distress.

Monson states that approximately 6% of children aged five to eighteen are prescribed Ritalin for attention and hyperactivity disorders. Recent research conducted by Schwarzbeck in Seattle revealed that out of 312 children with ADHD who were administered stimulant medication, a disturbing 68% did not actually have the disorder. Ritalin, possessing amphetamine-like characteristics, can activate the brain stem to generate a calming impact. Nevertheless, if used beyond recommended doses or over extended periods, it can develop into a habit-forming central nervous system stimulant. Monson is concerned about an increase in Ritalin misuse among those misdiagnosed with ADHD, causing apprehension amongst childcare professionals regarding its effects.

Some medical experts call Ritalin "kiddy cocaine" because it produces a similar high to cocaine when taken in the same way. It affects the same brain receptor as cocaine and is classified as a stimulant, also known as uppers or beanies. People abuse these drugs

for different reasons, but the main motivation is the euphoric effect they have on individuals.

Ritalin, a drug frequently prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can increase energy, attentiveness, and alertness. However, it can also raise blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Many college students misuse Ritalin to enhance academic performance during late-night study sessions. Obtaining the drug is easy through legal or illegal channels due to its common prescription. It is important to use medications properly to prevent addiction and dangerous mishandling (Monson).

Over the last decade, there has been an ongoing discussion regarding the merging of two issues: ADHD overdiagnosis and improper Ritalin usage. Many American children are being diagnosed with this condition on a daily basis, even if they do not fulfill the necessary requirements. Generally, children aged one to twelve exhibit symptoms like distractibility and hyperactivity that may result in outbursts when faced with challenging circumstances.

Doctors frequently diagnose adolescents without taking critical factors into account, resulting in hasty prescriptions of Ritalin or other stimulants to address their problems. However, these drugs can cause addiction and abuse in individuals of all ages, regardless of whether they experience ADHD.

The citation for an article entitled "ADHD" by Alan Greene on Heathline.com

Works Cited Greene, Alan. “ADHD. ” Heathline. com.

Accessed on 26 Mar. 2007 and 23 Sep. 2008 from http://www.healthline.

On www2jsonline.com/adamcontent, Meg Kissinger discusses the possibility of over-diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

http://www2.jsonline.com accessed on November 16th, 2006 and September 23rd, 2008.

The link to "Ritalin Abuse" on CoolNurse.com was accessed on January 1st, 2007 and on September 24th, 2008 through the URL com/alive/family/1116sadkid.stm.There is a website address