Ritalin Dangers Known, Still Being Prescribed To Treat ADHD

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Although many experts have warned about the dangers of children using stimulant

drugs like Ritalin frequently, doctors continue prescribing these drugs at an

alarming rate.

In 2008, the national average of Ritalin prescriptions for children with

Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD) was about 40 percent. However,

that figure has since grown to more than 80 percent.

Evident during a study in a St. ’s Hospital, 446 of the 529 cases of ADHD

were treated using some kind of stimulant drug.

While stimulant drugs have long been known to help children with ADHD alleviate

symptoms, new studies have shown the opposite effects.

Many experts recommend prescription of a stimulant drug in severe cases, and

often believe ADHD symptoms can be treated by using methods other than

medication.

One dangerous possible side-effect of Ritalin is the potential alteration of

personality. Some individuals have explained that when medication is stopped,

the actions, thoughts, and feelings are vastly different than when taking the

medication.

Research about the benefits and risks of specific ADHD medications is ongoing

but many still believe that medication should not be the primary option for

treatment of ADHD.