Adhd in Young Children

Jessie Doan
Week5 Assignment3
Intructor Lukin, English1010 English & Composition
Proposal on ADHD Medicating Young Children with ADHD

Problem: Is it a good or bad idea to put children under the adolescent age on medication for ADHD?

Solution: It all depends on the parents and severity of the problem

Possible Sources: www.adhdtreatmentforkids.com www.additudemag.com/ADHDTreatment/TreatingChildren www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/drugs/ www.addadhdblog.com/adhd-medication-for-3-4-and-5-year-olds/ www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_medications.htm www.medscape.org/MedscapePsychiatry/AsktheExperts/ADHD
Working Thesis Statement:
A case study shows that 9% of all American children have ADHD or (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and only a small percentage of those children take medication for it. As a mother of 3 (2 of them under the age of 6) having ADHD, I know what its like to put medicine in one child, and not the other. My oldest is easier to handle, and not as violent as his younger brother. My child on medicine is only able to control on the medicine. While medicine may be meant for one child, it could be the absolute opposite for another. There are different kinds of medicines on the market for children with ADHD. Is it okay to put a child on any kind of medicine for behavioral problems, and if so what kind is right for which child?
In todays world, with so many changes to the enviroment, chemical imbalances are arising amongst the human race more than it ever has. Babies are born everyday with more new diseases and mental health problems than ever before. One of the biggest problems amongst American children is ADHD (Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder). It is a chemical imbalance in a persons body that causes them to act out hyperly, violently, and have a problem concentrating on anything, and getting along with others. The largest population with this problem is children. It is a big problem that is effects the everyday life of the child, the childs family, and the childs peers. One of the most concerning factors in a parents life of a child with ADHD is how to help them. Many questions arise: "Is there anything we can do?" "Will they be okay in school?" "Is it safe for my other children to be around them?" and the biggest question of all: "Should we medicate the problem?" I as a parent of 2 children with ADHD, didnt believe in medicating in the beginning, but as the problem worsened and became violent I began to worry. My eldest child can be a bully and very over active at times, but he has never had to be medicated because there are ways to calm him down. My middle child however, is uncontrollable and becomes so hyper he hurts himself and those around him. There are mind altering drugs available for children with ADHD, which can be a major influence positively or negatively on a childs brain. There are also chemical balancing drugs available as well. A mojority of parents facing this problem with their children today, do not believe in controlling the mind of their child, so many children live with ADHD day to day, and try to find ways to cope in a more natural way. Education can be a very big impact on a childs behavior. The more a child attends school and spends time with other children their own age, the more they may become used to their surroundings, and more comfortable with themselves. The more comfortable a child is, the better they react towards their surroundings, whether it be another person, or whether it be an object. Some children however, do not react any differently when introduced to more comfortable surroundings. Some children have ADHD so severe, the only way to help the problem is to medicate it. ADHD is a disease afterall, and all diseases can be dealt with different ways. As a mother of a medicated child, I cannot explain how important it is to do as much research as you can, and get as many opinions as you can before deciding on medicating your own child. I did not believe in controlling my childs mind with medication so the doctors tried a new technique. They put my child on blood pressure medicine for adults that reacts differently in children. It helps children come to a calmer state. He has been completely easier to be around since. But it has begun to wear off, so the next step is education. Doctors may try a large number of steps in treating a child with ADHD such as (in my case) blood pressure medicine and special education, or they may simply just mentally medicate the child and hope for the best. Most pediatricians belive that a child will have a much better success in life once they begin school, and if they happen to have a problem while there, they know for sure other steps must be taken. As far as medicating a child for ADHD, it really depends on the age of the child, the severity of the problem, and the beliefs of the caretakers. Mentally medicating a child under the age of 3 or 4 is considered by the public eye inacceptable, because it is near impossible to tell if a toddler has a problem with hyperactivity due to their age. Most toddlers are over active, and it could just be based on their diet. When a child is in their school age, and becomes disruptive in class, then it becomes a problem and may only be controlled by medication. If you or someone you know have questions or concerns about possible ADHD in yourself or someone you know, contact your doctor or pediatrician right away. Also make sure to find out from your childs teachers if they see any concern. The way a child acts in the public eye is the most important key in diagnosing them with ADHD and only yourself and your doctor have the decision on whether the child needs to be medicating or if there are other ways to make it pass. Most children grow out of ADHD so worry not, but until it is outgrown it needs to be dealt with, to ensure your childs safety and the safety of others around your child.