Abstract This paper examines how many factors contribute to why today's youth are abusing the pharmaceutical drug, Adderall, an amphetamine belonging to the group of medicines called central nervous systems stimulants, which are used to treat attention deficit disorder. It looks at how Adderall appeals to young kids who are not seeking out hard drugs, but still want a buzz; many students purchase Adderall solely to enhance their endurance during their school week.
From the Paper "Another form of abuse is abuse apparent in a study done in October 2001, thirty-four percent of students medically prescribed to Adderall admitted to having been approached to sell or trade their medicine. Prescription holders are generally middle school to college age and sell to their own classmates. Many people sell only amongst their circle of friends, but ample money can be made by selling to the public domain (Sorter). For instance, Anna, a senior at Harvard, speaks of a former classmate who sold each tablet for ten dollars and would make six hundred dollars from each full prescription (Wonder Drugs). Locally, the average price for a 30mg tablet ranges between five to ten dollars. The demand for stimulants allows a student with a prescription to sell his whole bottle quickly and with such a high asking price."
Abstract This paper looks at the effects and benefits of Adderall. It firsts provides a brief definition of ADHD and examines how this drug is able to improve the lives of those with this condition. It lists for what symptoms the drug is prescribed and what improvement in behavior is expected.
From the Paper "Before examining the benefits of Adderall, it is useful to understand a little bit of the condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), for which Adderall is prescribed, and therefore how it functions. ADHD refers to a family of related chronic neurobiological disorders that interfere with an individual's capacity to regulate activity level (hyperactivity), inhibit behavior (impulsivity), and attend to tasks (inattention) in developmentally appropriate ways. The core symptoms of ADHD include an inability to sustain attention and concentration, developmentally inappropriate levels of activity, distractibility, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD experience inability to sit still and pay attention in class and so suffer social and academic consequences."
Abstract The paper explains that attention deficit disorder (ADD) is classified as a biological disorder for which prescription medications have been proven effective in treating it. These currently include Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. The paper relates that the disorder affects mostly children and many are concerned with the fact that children are being medicated by strong prescription drugs. The paper discusses how doctors believe that medication may be the best treatment for the disorder due to its high success rate. The paper contends that the main critics of these medications and their use in children are people who do not fully understand what ADD is. Thus, their objections can not be given credibility.
From the Paper "Because widespread knowledge of ADD is recent and also because the disorder affects mostly children, many are concerned with the fact they these children are being medicated by strong prescription drugs. Many even feel that these children are being overmedicated when there are other less potent treatments which doctors could consider for the treatment of the disorder. Furthermore, some even argue that the drugs which are prescribed for these children have not been studied long enough to assess the long term effect they will have on their growing bodies. However, the affects of these drugs have been studied and these medications may be the best treatment for people suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder."
Abstract Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly referred to as ADD, affects a significant percentage of the population. In recent years, the media has zeroed in on the debates surrounding the use of amphetamines as a treatment option for the disorder, especially for children. This paper examines a research study that discusses the use of amphetamines and the effectiveness of this treatment.
From the Paper "The study concluded that dosing once a day with an amphetamine medication may be effective in controlling the symptoms of ADHD.
While the results indicate that the use of amphetamine, in particular Adderall, is useful and effective for the control of symptoms of ADHD, it did not measure the impact that family structure had on the results. Genetic links to ADHD have been proven and it is possible that the success rate was also affected by whether or not the parents are also ADHD and how that affects the family structure, and support of the ADHD child."
This paper argues against the use of prescribed medications for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and suggests alternative methods of treatment.
Abstract This paper explains that, because children with ADHD have behavioral characteristics that are disruptive in the classroom, parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may experience numerous battles with educators and administrators about the need to medicate their children. The author points out that prescribed medications, commonly given to ADHD children such as Adderall and Ritalin have many side effects. The paper urges that a consistent behavior modification program is an excellent and successful substitute for medicating these children
Table of Contents
History of ADHD and its Symptoms
Struggles of having a Child with ADHD
Medications Used for the Treatment of ADHD and their Side Effects
Alternative Options for Treatment
From the Paper "Another commonly prescribed medication for the child with ADD or ADHD is Ritalin. Ritalin has historically been used for the treatment of ADD of ADHD the longest, and it has the same side effects as Adderall and all of the other medications prescribed for the treatment of ADD and ADHD. In May of 2000 in a Texas court, the law firm of Waters and Kraus brought forth a class action suit against the manufactures of Ritalin. This suit charged that the American Psychiatric Association committed fraud in conspiring to over-promote the diagnosis of ADHD and its treatment with the stimulant, Ritalin (Breggin). What many citizens do not know is that representatives of prescription drug companies visit doctors' offices on a daily basis."
Abstract The paper explains that attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are treated by amphetamines. It states that these amphetamines have become popular as recreational drugs. The paper explains the effects of using prescription stimulants on the body and especially the brain. The writer discusses how the college environment is often the first time young adults have some freedom and that they use this freedom to explore things that may have been restricted in the past. It discusses how peer pressure can lead to drug use and abuse. In conclusion, the writer states that the use of amphetamines must be controlled, not only because it is illegal, but because the individuals using it are all relatives or friends to someone in the world.
From the Paper "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. Typically medicated with psycho stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin (mixed salt amphetamines and methylphenidate) - much concern is placed over these drugs due to problems such as the illicit use of these prescription medications (McCabe, Knight, Teter, and Wechsler 96). A major demographic who abuse or illegally obtain these drugs are undergraduate and graduate school students (McCabe, Knight, Teter, and Wechsler 103). Adderall and Ritalin are becoming popular as recreational drugs on college campuses. The drugs are being used at parties and clubs, where they are combined with other drugs such as alcohol, ecstasy, or other illicit drugs to enhance the effects. Another function these drugs serve on college campuses is as a study aid to increase students' attention spans and prolong the onset of sleep in order to do all-night study sessions. The college habitat is a breeding ground for the prominent use of various drugs and other illegal activities. Being away from parental supervision and become an independent allows students to explore new paths of life such as the use of illegal drugs. Through interaction between friends and peers the ability to network these drugs to others comes without any difficulty. Access to stimulants such as Adderall is not a problem for many and is something that is even more accessible and used when midterms and finals roll around. A competitive state of mind is something that is drilled into the minds of many students who want to achieve the best and pursue professional careers in various fields of work. These students are the ones that will go by any means necessary to achieve this perfection even if it is illegal and hazardous to their health and well being. Though, this is becoming more common around campuses and universities around the country it is a matter that is pertinent to be made aware of. When students freely self-administer these stimulants they are putting themselves at possible health risks including death. Through knowledge and awareness we can educate future students to be more cautious and be more conscious when doing illicit drugs. It is by this means we can make sure for the future generations to come of how important it is to be aware of the dangers involved in taking prescription drugs illicitly and the consequences that could result from them. Raising people's awareness should extend beyond the ramifications of health and psyche, but for the pain and agony they will cause to family and friends if either injured or harmed from taking the drug."
Abstract This paper discusses the lack of research that exists with respect to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its treatment. It particularly discusses the research available with regard to drug treatment for the disorder. The paper discusses some of the issues related to ADHD, the research that is available and the areas that have not been clearly researched or are lacking definitive answers. The paper also discusses the significance of the lack of research and why more research needs to be done into this area.
From the Paper "In closing, the last several pages have clearly shown that ADHD is a problem for which there are, as of yet, few definitive answers. This is significant because we are, in effect, plying children with drugs even as we have yet to determine which ones are best for which elements of ADHD - or if any one of the drug products now on the market really work at all in overcoming all of the symptoms that make Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder such a complex and frustrating thing to treat. When time is taken to review the literature, it is fairly clear that we should be retreating from our heavy reliance upon drugs in this matter until we can develop products capable of addressing all of the facets of ADHD and not merely one item or the next. Further, it would also help if we could arrive at some consensus about which drugs really work for which symptoms. In the end, much more work remains to be done."
Abstract The paper defines and describes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in order to research the side effects of psychotropic medication in children when compared with herbal remedies. The paper also examines behavior modification implemented in the classroom. The paper then shows how each of these treatments has advantages and disadvantages and concludes that more research is needed.
Outline:
Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Treatments for ADHD
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the National Institutes of Health, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was first brought to the attention of the medical and psychological communities in 1902 when Sir George Still published lectures that were given to the Royal College of Physicians in England. The lectures discussed children displaying impulsive behavior as a result of a genetic dysfunction. The symptoms associated with ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention ("Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder"; Barondes, 2003)."
