Ritalin – the good, the bad and the ugly
First the Good – the following is a list of commonly observed behavioural changes when a child with ADD/ADHD begins using a stimulant medication (eg. Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall)
- decreased motor activity
- decreased aggression
- decreased defiance
- less impulsive
- makes fewer careless mistakes
- grades improve
- more compliant
- improved relationships
- improved concentration
- improved attitude
The “experts” really don’t understand exactly how stimulant medications work but it appears to alter the neurochemical functioning of the brain, especially the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It takes approximately 20 -30 minutes to take effect and positive results will last about 4 hours. Many children require a second dose at noon hour at school in order for them to remain productive and cooperative for the entire school day. One study that I am aware of reported that the compliance level of a group of children with ADHD before their Ritalin pill was 40% and 1/2 hour after their pill, the level increased to 90%.
Dr. Martin Boren M.D. states, “If a child has an attention or hyperactive disorder, then he has a chemical problem and needs Ritalin as much as a diabetic needs insulin.”
Stimulant medications are performance enhancers and the positive effects will be evident in anyone who takes this drug regardless of a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
What parents need most are ideas, because with ideas with ideas we get options. Rick Harper has been providing ideas to parents for over 40 years.