Adderall, Ritalin, AD/HD, and Abuse Essay examples -- Biology Essays R

Adderall, Ritalin, AD/HD, and Abuse Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are behavioral disorders affecting attention span, impulse control, and self-discipline. They are usually associated with children, although adults can suffer from the same disorders. It is estimated that 4% - 6% of the U.S. population suffers from AD/HD, and children with the disorders carry them into adulthood more than half the time. Typically medicated with psychostimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, (methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, respectively), concern over these disorders surrounds problems such as over-diagnosis or misuse of the prescription medications. ADD is characterized by an inability to concentrate, poor self-control, and short attention span. ADHD is essentially characterized by the same deficiencies except it includes hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The two are generally grouped together in the acronym AD/HD and are treated the same way, although each diagnosis can be labeled with a subtype of predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, or a combination type. Treatment involves psychological, educational, and social remedial measures along with medication, but frequently the more time-consuming efforts for treatment are disregarded in today's impatient world, with parents and patients hastily looking to medication for a quick solution. Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, a stimulant which was introduced in 1956 and affects the way the brain filters and responds to stimuli. This can be helpful to a person with AD/HD who feels bombarded by stimuli and is easily distracted. Although its workings are still largely not understood, meth... ...DMA (ecstasy), with the exception of seratonin for dopamine. Everything in moderation--methylphenidate and amphetamines can be beneficial for academic focus, but dangerous if their guidelines are not respected. References 1)Biopsychiatry, Methylphenidate/Cocaine Comparisons http://www.biopsychiatry.com/ 2)CHADD Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, http://www.chadd.org/ 3)National Attention Deficit Disorder Association, http://www.add.org/ 4)Erowid, http://www.erowid.org/ask/ask.cgi?ID=2846 5)Assessment of Adult AD/HD, http://www.erowid.org/ask/ask.cgi?ID=2846 6)ADD Drug Abuse Rising, http://www.detnews.com/2001/health/0111/20/a02-347551.htm 7)Overdiagnosis Unlikely, http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v281n16/ffull/jlt0428-4.html 8) Self-Test for AD/HD, http://www.amenclinic.com/ac/addtests/adult.asp