The Ritalin War

The Ritalin War Ritalin is a type of methylphenidate that produces a stimulant to the central nervous system (Wed MD). The exact way Ritalin works is unknown, however, we do know that Ritalin is being taken by four to six million children daily (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Pediatricians and doctors are giving this medication to young children in America that have some sort of behavioral problem with very little evidence of its effect. Attention deficit …

…be that a drug that poses so many problems and differences in opinion would be one that would not be prescribed to children. Yet, everyday parents are told that their child has a disorder that must be treated with drugs, when in fact, the child could be just hyper or looking for attention. We should all take a step back to look at the situation and think more than twice about prescribing drugs to children.