Behavior Modifying Drugs
Austen Myers
Ms. Watenmaker
English 10CPA
22 March 2010
Behavior Modifying Drugs:
Should parents turn to drugs in efforts of helping their children with ADHD?
“ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of people in the United States” (Kutscher). Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it is not yet understood why. Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They cannot seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more …show more content…
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions. Doctors may be too quick in diagnosing the patient with ADHD and prescribing them drugs to treat the problem. This is not the best method all the time, as these drugs have proved to be dangerous and sometimes fatal. The use of behavior modifying drugs should be treated only as a last resort after trying other treatments or alternatives for the problem because of the different risks that come along with the drugs. Children may have a problem that needs to be attended too, but drugs should not always be the first option selected. There are a good percentage of the millions of children in the United States, as well as around the world that suffer from ADHD, enough to be attentive to this disorder. For example, the different types of behavioral problems that are associated with the disease is explained: “Children suffering from behavioral disorders can exhibit behaviors such as distractibility, lack of focus, anxiety, and hostility” (Chittom). This shows how children may have problems in behavior, and how to notice the indications of ADHD. This also proves how …show more content…
In its adverse reactions newsletter from July 2008, the health agency warns that Atomoxetine (Strattera), a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, had been linked to 189 reported adverse reactions as of Dec. 31, 2007. Fifty-five of those included suicide attempts, a designation that encompasses non-accidental overdoses, showing suicidal tendencies and experiencing thoughts of self-harm. Twenty-nine of the patients recovered, three had not by Dec. 31, 2007, and one patient died. Data was not available for the remaining 22 patients.
Ms. Watenmaker
English 10CPA
22 March 2010
Behavior Modifying Drugs:
Should parents turn to drugs in efforts of helping their children with ADHD?
“ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of people in the United States” (Kutscher). Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it is not yet understood why. Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They cannot seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more …show more content…
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions. Doctors may be too quick in diagnosing the patient with ADHD and prescribing them drugs to treat the problem. This is not the best method all the time, as these drugs have proved to be dangerous and sometimes fatal. The use of behavior modifying drugs should be treated only as a last resort after trying other treatments or alternatives for the problem because of the different risks that come along with the drugs. Children may have a problem that needs to be attended too, but drugs should not always be the first option selected. There are a good percentage of the millions of children in the United States, as well as around the world that suffer from ADHD, enough to be attentive to this disorder. For example, the different types of behavioral problems that are associated with the disease is explained: “Children suffering from behavioral disorders can exhibit behaviors such as distractibility, lack of focus, anxiety, and hostility” (Chittom). This shows how children may have problems in behavior, and how to notice the indications of ADHD. This also proves how …show more content…
In its adverse reactions newsletter from July 2008, the health agency warns that Atomoxetine (Strattera), a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, had been linked to 189 reported adverse reactions as of Dec. 31, 2007. Fifty-five of those included suicide attempts, a designation that encompasses non-accidental overdoses, showing suicidal tendencies and experiencing thoughts of self-harm. Twenty-nine of the patients recovered, three had not by Dec. 31, 2007, and one patient died. Data was not available for the remaining 22 patients.