Discussion:
ADHD-Ritalin
1.The United States consumes 80 % of the worldâ??s Methylphenidate (Ritalin). Are American children indeed suffering more behavioral illnesses, or have we as a society become less tolerant of disruptive behavior?
2.Is Hyperactivity the inevitable by-product of a society wide addiction to speed-cellular phones, faxes, e-mail, overnight mail, ever faster computers? How are children affected by the high-stimulus activities that saturate their lives? Point out specific examples.
Yes I believe that Hyperactivity is the by-product of an addiction to speed things in our lives. We live in a fast paced world.
3.According to the CDC, in 2006, 9.5% of boys received a diagnosis of ADHD compared to 5.9% of girls. Is the preponderance of boys diagnosed as hyperactive because adults find that boys are more difficult to control than girls?
4.What is the role of the pharmaceutical companies in the rapid growth of medications for ADHD?
5.What is the role of managed-care companies and insurers in promoting the medication of children for ADHD?
6.Ritalin and other stimulants prescribed for ADHD work on the brain much like cocaine does. Children using this drug are â??wiredâ?? every day, raising concern over its long-term effects. This is not the only way that children are wired. Are we creating an entire generation (RX Generation) with a â??sweet tooth for cocaineâ???