--- On Thu, 8/12/10, Michael Chong <poise...@streamyx.com> wrote:
From: Michael Chong <poise...@streamyx.com>
Subject: Fun Learning Math @ Pandan Indah ADHD: FACTS AND FICTION August 06,
2010, By Charles Manley
To: enopi...@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, August 12, 2010, 3:53 PM
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common
neurobehavioral developmental disorders diagnosed in children. According to
research by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 5 percent of
children have ADHD, as do 2 million to 5 million adults. Nearly three times as
many boys are diagnosed with ADHD as girls.The condition makes it difficult for
the sufferer to focus on one task and adapt to a structured environment such as
school or work. Attention deficit disorder is very common in infants, but
generally gets better as the child ages. In children with ADHD, the inability
to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors can continue well into
adulthood.
A child with ADHD may exhibit the following symptoms:
Difficulty paying attention in class
Excessive daydreaming
Forgetfulness
Inability to remain seated
Fidgeting
Interrupts others frequently
Has trouble standing in line or taking turns
Acts or speaks impulsively.
Is ADHD Real?
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has been controversial since the 1970s.
Many argue that ADHD is being used as a catch-all for any abnormal social
behavior exhibited by children. Others argue that ADHD is a real neurological
disorder, but that it is frequently over-diagnosed. Still others argue that it
is the scapegoat for academic underperformance.
A review of 596 studies and medical articles published from 1996 to 2007 by the
American Medical Association found that "research increasingly points to ADHD
as a developmental disorder of probable neurogenetic origin in which
environmental factors also play a role, albeit more limited." It does point out
an alarming "overrepresentation of Caucasian males" in almost all data and
diagnoses. The report also states that "stimulant medication offers the most
effective treatment for reducing core symptoms. Although the FDA has recently
taken actions to strengthen warnings on the product labeling for medications
approved to treat ADHD, some disagreement continues about the risks of these
medications."
Medication Controversy
The majority of the controversy surrounding ADHD stems from the extremely
powerful medications prescribed to control it. No self-respecting parent would
send their hyperactive child to the street corner to pick up a speed ball,
crank, cocaine or crystal meth. Yet many of the medications prescribed vary
little from these dangerous illegal street drugs. Understandably, this causes
concern and controversy. However, some of these drugs can be beneficial in
helping certain individuals to lead normal, productive lives and get better
grades in school; others become victims of their addictive qualities. Whether
the benefits outweigh the risks is a decision that should be reached by
physician, parents and children.
The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are Ritalin (known on the
street as "kiddie coke" because its effects can closely resemble those of
cocaine), Dexedrine (similar to street methamphetamines, though slightly less
potent and toxic), Adderall (72 percent Dexedrine, 28 percent mixed amphetamine
salts, commonly referred to on the street as "beans," "uppers" and "speed") and
Desoxyn (methamphetamine, commonly referred to as "meth").
Unfortunately, all of these drugs carry severe health risks, including death.
Adderall is now the most abused prescription drug in America, with 20 to 30
percent of college students in the United States abusing the drug regularly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1
million emergency room visits in 2008 resulted from prescription drug abuse.
More people overdose on prescription drugs than on all illegal drugs combined,
including heroin, PCP, meth, ecstasy, crack and cocaine.
Treatment
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the treatment of
mental disorders in children such as depression and ADHD cost $8.9 billion in
2006 — more than any other health condition. Because of the high number of
prescriptions written every year, many believe the medical profession is being
coerced by drug companies to over-diagnose ADHD and other psychological
conditions. However, despite numerous lawsuits alleging fraud and conspiracy,
no drug company has been convicted. The U.S. and Canada consume 95 percent of
the world's Ritalin, and nearly 80 percent of the world's prescription
amphetamines and methamphetamines.
More and more treatments for ADHD are being released that are not based on
amphetamines or methamphetamines. Treatments that help improve focus and
academic performance in children diagnosed with ADHD are being implemented in
school programs. Dietary and environmental factors that aggravate ADHD symptoms
are being isolated.
Always talk with your physician and a psychiatrist before starting any ADHD
treatment for your child. And, as always, seek out multiple opinions.
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