Attention deficit disorder "ADD" and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder "ADHD" are two types of disorders that are behavioral. These disorders are considered to be cause of a chemical imbalance in the brain. ADD and ADHD are not disorder but personality traits however, those who believe it is a disorder say the symptoms are different depending on the individual. Those who believe these are disorders say, "Many are over stimulated, distracted, and restless. Others become hyper vigilant, withdrawn, and compulsive. Others act out, become disruptive or aggressive. All have trouble with self-esteem in their struggle to function" (Reichenberg).

Children and adolescents with these disorders are more heavily diagnosed

than any other age group. "About 70 percent

To fix this problem, "U.S. scientists are preparing for a major clinical trial measuring the effects of Ritalin and other methylphenidates on a previously untested population-children aged three to six. The study begins in December and will recruit 300 preschoolers that have been labeled as having ADHD" (Elliot). The scientist in the December study, as well as many Americans, are concerned about the study of drugs on the developing brains of three hundred young children.

So who decides whether or not to drug a child on a daily basis with a questionable drug? The parents of the child must give the doctor consent to due

safeguard this medication at home and school are needed. Subsequently so, considering the Food and Drug administration considers methylphenidates, Ritalin, a schedule II substance. A schedule II substance means that the drug has the highest abuse potential dependence profile of all drugs that have medical utility. Ritalin is considered schedule II because it has many of the same effects as cocaine or the amphetamines (Woodworth). People with a chemical imbalance do not experience the cocaine like effects, but those who have no chemical imbalance and abuse the medication experience a high associated with drugs. The effects previously state are those that have been reported in people over the age of six. One of the major problems with these drugs is that they are being prescribed to toddlers, a group that the Federal Drug Administration has not approved for usage.

of people diagnosed with t

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)