... There are some benefits of taking medications such as Ritalin, Adderall and Effexor for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and for children with Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD), as well as some concerns. Some of the benefits include the improvement of a child’s attention span for longer lengths of time, trouble with depression and for the purpose of focusing on their lessons in class which results in the child improvement in their grades. Some of the concerns include giving children medication not really knowing if they need it. After watching the video, “Medicating Kids,” I could form an opinion about how the different medications can affect the children. In some it had an affect and it seemed to have a positive affect on most of the children in the video, According to Dr. Xavier Castellanos of the National Institute of mental health who states, “There is no known reason of what causes ADHD and there is no known reason as to why stimulants are effective.” After viewing the video, I have to wonder if the effects of the drugs were psychological in the children. With the exception of Nicholas, all the other children were aware that they were taking these drugs and shoed an improvement. I have to side with the psychologists who say children do not need to take medication for what is normal behavior in children. The video about medicating kids on PBS (2001) explores “The debate in 1999 about weather or not children with supposedly psychological problems...
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...Running Head: CHILDREN AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Children and Prescription Drugs Although prescription drugs help significantly in some people, can they also be considered harmful in young children? Many children are experiencing early diagnosis on their medical conditions whether it is attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), or even a bipolar disorder. In the past few years the use of prescription drugs in young children has greatly increased in schools and in homes due to parents and doctor’s diagnoses. In numerous cases this can cause harmful side effects. Studies have shown that there are other ways of controlling the disorders without the use of medication. Many of these side affects could easily be avoided. In the article Mass Tracks Children on Physiactric Drugs by S. Allen (2007), doctors who overprescribe or diagnose young children incorrectly are causing harmful side effects. Many children, some even under the age of five, are being diagnosed with forms of psychiatric or medical problems that require prescription medication. Doctors are then going and giving children doses of medicine, sometimes three different kinds at a time (Allen A1). For some children, this works wonders. Others, however, have to deal with serious side effects. In her article for the International Herald Tribune, T. Parker-Pope (2008) states, “Nearly one-third [of children] experience worrisome side effects.. the side defects...
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...is that it is a brain based condition where there is an imbalance of the brains chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline, these chemicals being responsible for self-control and slowing down of impulses. Because of the slight imbalance of these important chemicals, people with ADHD will experience impulsive, hyperactive behavior as well as inattentiveness with short term memory and in some cases, learning difficulties. Although doctors and scientists have more information about the causes and treatment of ADHD today, there is an interesting history around this disorder which had many different theories and beliefs. Discovered over one hundred years ago, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a recent medical discovery. It was first described in about 1902 by George Still, an English pediatrician, who had observed a group of patients and recognized them as being inattentive, over active and suffering from a "lack of moral control". After George Still's discovery, many controversies followed. It was believed that ADHD was a result of brain damage, but when doctors realized that most children with ADHD had no brain damage, that idea was discarded. ADHD was then called Hyperactive Child Syndrome, where all the focus was on hyperactivity. In addition to this, Dr Ben Feingold researched a link between ones diet and hyperactivity, but this controversy was soon proven to not have much effect. Today, it is known that ADHD is strongly hereditary and is, as mentioned before, believed...
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...November 10, 2014 Crystal Hicks Diagnosis of ADHD in Youth There have been a lot of studies done on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the school aged children of today. The Center for Dieses Control and Prevention has completed a mass survey that states 1 and 5 school aged boys has been diagnosed with ADHD, and 11 percent of school aged children overall (ages 4-17 years old). Approximately 6.4 million have been diagnosed as of 2011. This number has increased from 7.8% in 2003 to 11% in 2011. Boys are 13.2% more likely than girls at 5.6% to ever be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is a real disorder that needs to be addressed, but does not always need medication to treat it. Diagnosis of ADHD For a child to be diagnosed with ADHD there is certain criteria that is supposed to be met. There are several steps to the process in being diagnosed with ADHD, however, there is not one test alone that can diagnosis it. There are many other issues such as anxiety, depression, and other learning disabilities that have similar symptoms as ADHD. There was recently a new manual printed for medical professionals called DSM-5 to diagnosis ADHD. There was a few changes to the DSM-5 such as: symptoms can occur by age 12 rather than by age 6; and adults and children 17 and older are only required to have 5 symptoms rather than the 6 symptoms for children 16 and younger. Here are a few examples of the symptoms of ADHD: “Often fails to give close attention...
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...Over-prescribing of ADHD Medication to Children Lesley M. Thomas University of Houston- Clear Lake What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? According to the National Library of Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is defined as, “a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able to control behavior, or a combination of these.” (www.nlm.nih.gov) For a diagnosis of this disorder, generally referred to simply as ADHD, these issues must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development. Although the majority of diagnoses are given to children and adolescents, there are also a vast number of ADHD cases diagnosed for adults. The purpose of my research paper is to offer background on this disorder, discuss the psychopharmacology of its treatment options, and to discuss whether ADHD medication is over-prescribed to children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity has three different subtypes. Those subtypes are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and a combination of the two. In order for the Predominantly Inattentive subtype to be used, at least six or more symptoms of inattention must be both present and persistent for at least six months. However, there must be fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. For usage of the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subtype to be used, there must be a persistent presence of at least six...
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...ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, the American Health Institute states “Approximately 3-7% of school-aged children have the disorder. Larger cities may have rates as high as 10-15%. About 4 million children are affected nation wide. “ The earliest your child can get tested is 3 years old, so if you see any symptoms in your child your child should be tested because they may have adhd. Psych Central states “ About 20 to 30 percent of children with ADHD also have a learning disability (LD). This is a problem that is unexpected given the child’s general intelligence In preschool children, this often appears as a difficulty understanding certain sounds or words and/or difficulty in expressing oneself in words. In school age...
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...The biggest controversy of diagnosis has been on bipolar disorder. There has been a 4,000% increase in children diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There are kids being diagnosed everyday even though we do not yet fully understand the symptoms. Doctors are treating these symptoms with drugs they are not sure even work. It seems like if doctors can alleviate over 50% of the symptoms the drug is acceptable. Antipsychotics are now being prescribed to children. They are in direct result having a hard time controlling their actions and behaviors. There is no definitive test for any psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Bacon chooses the medicine before he knows the diagnosis. Getting the right treatment can take a long time. This is due to the number of drugs and the symptoms that may respond to the drugs. We have mood stabilizers and (A)-typical antipsychotics, just to name a few. It’s an experiment trying these medications on these children. Our other option is we must let them be symptomatic. It’s a gamble trying medications on children at such a young age. Upping medications may bring on other symptoms that did not previously exist. Many psychologists think it is impossible to diagnose bipolar disorder in children. All the debate and confusion has led to over diagnoses. Many children with bipolar disorder are being treated by physicians or family doctors who are not familiar with the disorder. The thoughtful and careful examination of the symptoms and thinking through the problem does not exist...
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...symptoms………………………………………………..3 Current treatment and its issues………………………………………..5 Neurofeedback: an alternative approach to managing ADD/ADHD….6 Studies with neurofeedback……………………………………………7 Conclusion…………………………………………………………….11 Abstract The aim of this essay is to present and evaluate the positive sides and implications of using neurofeedback as a treatment for ADD/ADHD and to compare these with current methods of treatment. In order to do that, firstly, the main symptoms and characteristics of this disorder were named. The main ones include: attention deficit, impulsivity, turmoil and hyperactivity as an optional one. Today, the only accepted method for threatening ADD/ADHD is by using medications. It is assumed that certain medications such as Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin, Dexedrine and Adderall improve the efficiency of chemical transmitters which have the role of passing the information through brain. But, there are also some side effects of using medications. A summary of relevant studies on relatively new, alternative method- neurofeedback is provided. The results were similar to treatment with medications. The difference is that neurofeedback provided longer lasting effects, long after the session period. The main advantage of neurofeedback is that patients will learn the skills of self-control. In other words, they will depend on themselves, not on medications. Still, there are some uncertainties whether neurofeedback should be accepted as a treatment for ADD/ADHD. Introduction New...
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...antipsychotic drugs used to treat school-aged children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The distribution of these ADHD medications have steadily increased over the years, which has, on one hand, presented a possible solution to the escalating diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and on the latter, brought into question the ethics and effectiveness of these medications. Health officials, parents, and the children themselves struggle to come to an agreement when deciding whether or not medication is the best solution. The Debate Over Medicating Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In the spring of 2004, Jacqueline A. Sparks, an associate professor of family therapy at the University of Rhode Island, and Barry L. Duncan, a cofounder of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, investigated the ethics and effectiveness behind the distribution of ADHD medications as a modern treatment method for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Even though, “appropriate identification and treatment of symptoms for psychiatric illnesses (such as ADHD) during childhood and adolescence is critical” (ScienceDaily). Sparks and Duncan note that, “ADHD is arguably the most controversial topic in recent mental health history. The ADHD diagnosis is not defined by a biological marker (Leo & Cohen, 33), but is rather subjective and not easily distinguished from the everyday behavior of children. Thus, the diagnosis lacks reliability...
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...Major Depression Disorder Major Depression Disorde The topic of this case study is Major Depression Disorder (MDD). This disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, which occurs in both the young and old. Of all of the types of depression MDD is prominent due to the extent and duration of the most severe form of depression. It is second to heart disease in the extent it collaborates to the lower qualities of life. MDD is characterized by the effects it causes during such extent, leading it to be the most severe form of depression. In this paper the details of MDD, diagnosis, treatment, family, and psychosocial aspects will be covered. MDD as described by the DSM-IV TR is said to have 5 of the 9 disabling condition characteristics. Symptoms of MDD include but, are not limited to depressed mood, lack of interest, weight changes, sleep patterns, concentration issues, suicidal tendencies and thoughts. This disorder is characterized from other forms of depression such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and grief. For example, forms have less magnitude and shorter durations due to circumstantial situations related to the cause. MDD can be distinguished from other types of depression such as dysthymia and loss which, involve long-term chronic symptoms that do not disable and individual but, keep them from feeling good. The majestic of MDD can be conveyed by the social and occupational functioning. The downiness exemption to MDD need to...
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...Merriam Webster defines medication as a substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug. Consequently psychotropic medication is defined as any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. Some medications such as lithium, which may be used to treat depression, are psychotropic. Also called a psychodynamic medication. When ADHD and medication are paired together the results can be amazing. However for every action there is a reaction. This reaction can sometimes overshadow the good that has been done. The trend of hidden dangers of ADHD medication, the effects of taking ADHD medication and making the right choices for your family. The hidden dangers of taking ADHD medication are discussed very often. The Harvard Medical School has stated that “Medications — chiefly the stimulants dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate — are the only proven treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with its symptoms of distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. But the benefits of stimulants last only as long as patients continue to take them, and worries about the risks of long-term use are again in the news (Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publications, para 1). There have been countless studies on the effects of taking stimulants to treat ADHD. These studies are used as a guide to picking the right medication and what to expect when taking these stimulants used to treat ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. ...
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...Joyce Dye ENG-105 August 16, 2015 Victoria Smith Hidden Dangers of ADHD Medications There are several health problems that can be associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications. Before a parent should consider medication, it's important to be sure the child has gotten an accurate diagnosis from a professional who is trained and experienced in child and adolescent mental health. The most common medications given for ADHD are such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine - amphetamine .Stimulants are highly effective in treating this particular disorder; however there can be some serious side effects such as heart problems. There have been rare instances where children that have taken stimulants for ADHD had heart-related death. The American Heart Association is very adamant on requiring certain heart testing before administering medication such as electroencephalogram testing for detection of heart abnormalities. The warning signs of heart issues while on stimulants would include fainting, shortness of breath and chest pain. These are all important factors that need to be considered before giving stimulants as a treatment process for ADHD. It has been found that when taking stimulants for ADHD , the risk of abuse is very high and can cause even further complications, The reason for the risks are because stimulants are part of a class of drugs called amphetamines and can be highly addictive. Along with being addictive, stimulants can cause...
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...and Page (2005) and Belluck (2012) this paper reflects the understanding of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how it can be a contributing factor to crime. Keywords: ADHD, crime, criminal behavior, treatments, Crimes That Involve ADHD Patients Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is generally displayed through behavioral inhibitions. ADHD is an ever-growing problem within the United States and across the globe. Often time’s people don’t understand ADHD and how such a disorder can lead to criminal activity. Through understanding how ADHD consumes a persons life will demonstrate how this disorder plays a role in the minds of those that have committed crimes. ADHD is most often discovered in children and can continue into adolescence and adulthood. The main symptoms include difficulty maintaining a focused mindset and paying attention to specific tasks. Behavioral issues are often affected due to the difficulty controlling ones behavior. All these symptoms are then topped off with hyperactivity, or being over-active (NIMH, 2008). There are three known subtypes to ADHD. The subtypes are referred to as the following: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, Predominantly inattentive and Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. For a person to be classified as having a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype, they must have six or more symptoms of ADHD, but have fewer than six symptoms of inattention present even though...
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...not only ADHD is a genetic mental disorder but also a disorder that may be caused by the environmental factors like geographical location, parenting and diet. Furthermore, many studies show that ADHD is in fact a mental disorder that affects many children and adults. ADHD is not over diagnosed and needs to be treated, however the treatment should not consist...
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...work, studies show that the medication such as Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritalin, and Concerta help stimulate the brain. These medications shoe increases in patience as well as focusing on everyday tasks. Even though these stimulants work, there is also an argument that there are other ways to help with the disorder besides medication. Patients should still stick with the medication because it does show major progress, changes in behavior, and helps in the work and school place. Furthermore, ADHD had been researched for over 35 years. From that research, scientists have concluded that ADHD is acquired due to a chemical and structural mishap of the brain...
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