In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these drugs are being prescribed for children with various disorders. One of these disorders is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD. An estimated five to ten percent of children are diagnosed with this syndrome Taylor 11. One of the methods to treat this disorder is to use stimulants, specifically Ritalin. This method is controversial because it has many side effects and its long-term effects are unknown. It can also lead to addiction. Approximately two to three percent of elementary school children are taking some kind...
as well as the effects of chronic overactivity can be unmasked. Long term follow-up may be required because of the patient"s basic personality disturbances "Avoid" 1." Many children rely on it so heavily that if they are without it for a short period of time they become anxious, tense and agitated. These are some of the symptoms the medication is supposed to correct, not inflict.

One side effect that cannot be medically proven is that Ritalin is being highly abused in schools. ADHD children are taking the drugs with their friends to get "high" and have a good time