ADHD Medication In Children

The use of ADHD medication in children is a sensitive topic in today’s world. Since the introduction of Ritalin, a stimulant medication designed to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in 1963, families and doctors have been at ends about whether it is beneficial. Some parents are concerned about giving their child medication, especially because it is somewhat over prescribed and they fear it could change their child. Others, however, give medication the benefit of the doubt and willingly let their children consume medication. This debate continues between medical professionals, although many parents and doctors remain undecided. Some believe that children should stay away from ADHD medication due

Stimulant medication was designed to work for the majority, if not all, people with ADHD. Studies show that over 80% of the ADHD population respond positively to medication (Boorady “The Facts”). Additionally, about two-thirds of children with ADHD are medicated (Danielson et al). This shows that the majority of people trust ADHD medication to do its job and to be efficacious, without impairing their everyday lives. Even most parents allow their children to be treated with medication, knowing that it is helping their child overcome the struggles associated with ADHD. Considering these factors, parents should support the treatment of medication for their child in light of its proven effectiveness in treating

Depending on the child, medication has different levels of dexterity. But when the side effects of medication outweigh the influence of ADHD symptoms, then medication should be avoided. Parents need to decide the severity of symptoms, and whether medication, and its side effects, would be worth reducing ADHD symptoms. If the benefits do not outweigh the consequences, or parents feel that medication would not be a good fit for their child, there are other options. Although proven to be less effective than medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an alternative treatment method. CBT will help children in addressing their patterns of thinking caused in part by their ADHD, such as unhealthy self-beliefs or cognitive distortions. Moreover, parents can look into nonstimulant medication or a different brand of stimulant medication for their child to reduce side