Children in the US, and internationally, are prescribed medication frequently. It is not hard for a child to receive an ADD or ADHD diagnosis, whether they have the disorder or not, and it is even easier for those children to be prescribed medication. Many children are naturally rowdy, curious and creative, but this does not make them hyperactive. Some children may learn differently or tend to be extremely creative, just because they do not fit the “norm”, they are considered broken. Even if the child is hyperactive, medication may not be the best solution. Medication is not the only solution, and medication is not a solution alone. Many doctors and caregivers forget this and rely on medication too heavily.
It is hard to know the true effects these drugs have on children. Causation studies are hard to prove and following children through adulthood is costly and expensive. Even though there are many obstacles in the way, many studies have been done and correlation between these drugs and negative effects on children is significant. Researchers know for a fact that these drugs change the brain chemistry of children and even physically alter their minds, but they do not know how or with what repercussions. Although these drugs are legal, they are usually amphetamines and can be prescribed to children as early as Preschool. These prescriptions drugs were seen to have effects on the brain similar to those of cocaine. The fact that we know these drugs do something to children but we have no idea what is terrifying: and then we are still overly willing to prescribe medication to more and more young children. Although no causation has been found, ADHD drugs are heavily linked to future substance abuse problems, as well as short term effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite, and weight loss or gain. In growing children, nutrition is essential and messing with it is likely to be extremely dangerous.
Research has shown that behavioral therapies work better than medication; however, they are used much less. Since disorders such as ADD and ADHD are behavior disorders, it would make sense to treat them through behavioral therapy. There are many alternatives to medication and they have been shown to improve symptomology. Drugs show quick results, but do not necessarily improve symptomology they just alter it; if the child were to stop taking the drug the symptoms of ADHD would return. These prescriptions alter the child’s personality and when taking sedatives, sedate them, making them easier to teach and to parent. Leading to the question: who is the medication really for…the child or their parents and teachers?
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Long-Term Consequences Of Drugs On The Pediatric Cardiovascular System
Ritalin For Whom? Revisited: Further Thinking On ADHD
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Effects Of Long-Term Psychostimulant Medication On Growth Of Children With ADHD