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Ritalin

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. It is estimated that between three and five percent of children have ADHD, or approximately two million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD.   Despite all of the problems inherent to ADHD and the negative publicity it has received, having Attention Deficit Disorder has as many positive aspects as it does negative. People with ADHD typically are able to hyper-focus, meaning they can focus better than almost anyone at any given time, occasionally showing signs of a photo memory. They are born entrepreneurs or mavericks; they have more spontaneous ideas and have a unique creativity since the brain is always moving from one idea to the next. They are also known to have a better tolerance for chaos and can adapt to volatile situations.   A common method for treating ADHD is the use of medications. Drugs known as stimulants seem to have been the most effective with both children and adults who have ADHD. Sean Esteban McCabe, et al, states that:   For many, these drugs dramatically reduce hyperactivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Research that has been done also suggests that medications such as these may help children with accompanying conduct disorders control their impulsive, destructive behaviors.   The little boy had all the classic symptoms. He was irritable and fidgety; lacked concentration. Sometimes, he would stare out a window for hours. Other times, he couldn't sit still for a minute. It didn't take his teachers long before they concluded that the child had Attention Deficit -- Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD. His doctor put him on Ritalin, an amphetamine that has a calming effect on children with such a condition. Several weeks...