Hidden Dangers of Adhd Medications

Amy Drake

ENG 105-0502

June 24th, 2018

Professor Mary Petty

                                         Hidden Dangers of ADHD Medications

 The disease known as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not actually a disease at all. It is a neurological disorder that affects millions of children and still more are being diagnosed daily. The therapies that are encouraged the most are behavioral therapy and then medication when and if that as needed. Yet the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2014) reports a staggering 75% of American children aged 2 to 5 with ADHD take medications yet do not participate in behavioral therapy. If a child is full of energy and unable to sit still, they must have ADHD. It is important to recognize at what point do these kids struggle with a disorder versus just being kids. Medications regularly have known and unknown side effects that could be dangerous with improper diagnosis and treatments.

A popular medication is Methylphenidate, Concerta and Ritalin. These three examples are just a few of the medications available to prescribe to your child. Possible side effects are loss of appetite, excitability, possible growth suppression, blood pressure and heart problems (Christopher Reynolds Toronto, S. 2016, May 6). It is challenging to figure out if these are symptoms of the medication or just normal childhood behaviors. Unknown side effects could affect the child's temperament such as anger flare ups or depression.

 Some of the hidden dangers from ADHD are not just the medications, but also the misdiagnosis from school teachers and doctors. The misdiagnosis of ADHD in some cases may lead to focus from the media and distort the perception of the public, Agarwal, V., & Kar, S. (2014, July). The pharmaceutical companies may exploit misdiagnoses to push the sale of their medications furthering their agenda. Children can be misdiagnosed causing unnecessary drug treatment. A large percentage of children that are diagnosed are very young children who usually have "severe symptoms" like ongoing aggression and impulsivity that put them and their fellow students in danger, Christopher Reynolds Toronto, S. (2016, May 6).

 Since there is no definitive way to get tested for ADHD, the child's school teacher, parent and doctor are required to complete a check list.  If that checklist is not correct due to personal perception, then the child will be misdiagnosed and put on medications that can have dangerous outcomes. Pay close attention to a diagnosis and get a second, even a third opinion. Medication will usually work if the child truly is ADD/ADHD. If the child or adult is not ADD/ADHD, then taking a medication not necessary may cause harm to the individual. Keeping a log to help keep track of behaviors is a helpful tool. Behavioral therapies should be offered to children and adults alike. Becoming involved in behavioral therapies teaches a person the tools they will need to cope and understand a person living with ADD/ADHD and the people around them.