METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN)

Leutwyler (1996) reports that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically manifests as inattention or impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity. It is estimated that approximately 5 percent to 6 percent of all school-age boys in the United Stated, diagnosed with ADHD, take Ritalin for the condition; drug production has increased around 500 percent since 1990.

In February, the United Nations's International Narcotics Control Board stated that "overdiagnosis of ADHD was very possibly taking place." Others believe that increases in the ADHD diagnosis are due to a more realistic view of prevalence and controversy surrounding Ritalin hurts children who need it (Leutwyler, 1996, p. 12).

Reasons supporting the increased recognition of ADHD prevalence and the need for medication include the following: ADHD was seldom recognized in girls prior to 1994 since girls tend to be less hyperactive; and fear of long-term medication side effects resulted in reluctance to use Ritalin past childhood. The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manua

. . .
es that the causes of ADHD are not known; the possible effects of food additives on symptoms is discussed and some reference to abnormal EEGs is made. Leutwyler provides more information such as biochemical and structural differences found in ADHD people. Although the text makes reference to the confusion regarding the use of Ritalin, it provides very little information regarding biochemical effects and does not discuss comparisons to cocaine or possibilities for related drug abuse. Gatley et al. make note of the similarities of general pharmacological properties between methylphenidate and other psychostimulant drugs. This information is important since Ritalin is now being prescribed for ADHD adolescents and adults. Conclusion The text reports that ADHD diagnosis and Ritalin usage are increasing and controversy exists regarding both. Leutwyler provides insight into possible reasons for the increased ADHD prevalence and supports the existence of symptoms with information regarding biochemical and structural causes. Gatley et al. provide a controversial view of methylphenidate which points to its possible misuse as a psychostimulant for adolescents and adults; the "high" experienced with intravenous injection is repor
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Luca Coupar, Wongwitdecha Marsden, EEGs Leutwyler, PL-345 Rats, Control Board, Disorders DSM-IV, Relevance Leutwyler's, Increased Ritalin, ADHD Additional, Introduction Raw, de luca, de luca coupar, wongwitdecha marsden, luca coupar, reinforcing properties, social isolation, action mechanisms, drug abuse, leutwyler 1996, adhd diagnosis, coupar 1996, luca coupar 1996, wongwitdecha marsden 1996, action mechanisms text, gatley et al,
Approximate Word count = 1929
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

More Essays on METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN)