Paper Summary:

The paper explores the causes, diagnosis and treatment options of ADHD. The paper reveals that often, a principal or school counselor will suggest that a hyperactive child be put on Ritalin in an attempt to solve the problem quickly. The paper further reveals that there is very little known regarding the long-terms affects of pharmacotherapy, and therefore, it would benefit children and adults with ADHD to follow a multifaceted approach to treatment, including the use of behavioral modification. The paper concludes that since the effect of ADHD on academic achievement is detrimental on many levels, the U.S. needs to seriously rethink its current position on the problem and stop allowing those with vested interests to have a voice in public policy.

From the Paper:

"Many studies have been conducted concerning school-aged children with ADHD and academic achievement. Before these studies and their results are discussed it would be wise to examine the incidence and treatment options. Each year, over 500,000 children in the U.S. between 4 and 11 years of age are being referred by teachers and school counselors to psychiatrists and family doctors for the treatment of ADHD. Boys are five to nine times more likely to be diagnosed as girls. Some statistics state the prevalence as high as 20% of all middle school children are currently diagnosed and treated for ADHD."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
• Government.policy no date Retrieved 1-27-07 from:http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/leg/idea.html
• Lesesne, C., Abramowitz, A., Perou, R., & Brann, E. Attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder: A public health research agenda. 3-2000
• The Public Interest, No. 127 (Spring 1997), pp. 3-18 (c)1997 by National AffairsInc. Ken Livingston for PBS Frontline
• Vegetarian Times, Sept. 1997, p. 72

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