13-01-2004, 09:20 PM
Quote:Originally posted by Court
Mmm... Just typed a really long response... to suddenly have my computer perform "an illegal operation" (go figure) so here I sit again... (hope against hope... I remember it all)...
Difficult subject... would you believe me if I told you we spent a good month on this exact subject at college? There are so many aspects when dealing with Ritalin. Trying to teach a class of an average head count of 30 kids, is challenging enough. In some (note the word some) cases, learners in the class who suffer from ADD and ADHD offer even more distraction for other learners in their class.
On a professional note: Ritalin is one of the more favoured "stimulant drugs". When taken appropriately, stimulant medications can improve symptoms in up to 90% of children with ADHD. They help calm children who are hyperactive and help children who have trouble concentrating to focus. However, like other prescription medications, if stimulant medications are misused, abused or given to kids without ADHD, there may be serious health consequences. Then of course, there are the "side effects" and "addiction" aspects to consider. They DO NOT occur in all children, and it is usually as a result of misuse or when they are used incorrectly. Saying this, I have seen, on numerous occasions, how a child becomes psychologically dependent on the drug. Where he/she doesn't believe they have the capabilities to function in a classroom situation without ritalin.
On a personal note: I am never keen on prescription medicine - always try to find an alternative. There are tons of different "drugs" out there... check out these sites for more info, or simply type in "alternative treatment adhd" in your search engine.
http://www.retrainthebrain.com/
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ritalin.htm
http://www.holos-homeopathy.com/ADHD_information_1.htm
One more site to check out...
http://www.organicbebe.com/ADHD_natural_remedies.asp
Hope that helps.
My 2p worth
Methylphenidate (generic name of Ritalin) has a parodixal effect when used in children with ADHD...instead of "stimulating" them centrally, it calms them ... however, a child needs to be classfied as being ADHD by a team of health care professionals before such drastic measures are taken. Quite often children are just very lively and "as busy as bees".....