Appropriate Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD

Appropriate Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Education Political correctness and the constant fear of impending litigation from any number of sources has forced society to find other means through which they can control their children. Though other avenues for treatment exist, recent developments in educational and familial systems have produced a situation where children are over prescribed stimulant medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for educational purposes. For that reason, we must consider the appropriate treatment for ADHD in education. Four main aspects to this issue need to be discussed in order to fully understand the situation: a description of ADHD, the symptoms of ADHD, the statistical information regarding the over prescription and a description/history of stimulant use, and some possible alternatives to drug therapy. It is important to understand what ADHD is. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder that was originally thought to be a form of "minimal brain dysfunction (MBD) (D’Alonzo 88)," however, it is no longer recognized as a form of MBD. "Along with these changes in classification, investigators identified behaviors related to ADHD: hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity, aggression, distractibility, and short attention span. These symptoms formed the three behavioral constructs inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity described by the American Psychiatric Association (D’Alonzo 88)." In both the professional and lay media ADHD is routinely referred to as a neurological disorder, while most experts agree that genetic-biochemical factors influence behavior somewhat, the general public tends to view this as biologically unco... ...view. 26 3 (1997): 369-381. Flick, Grad L. "Managing ADHD in the Classroom Minus Medication." The Education Digest. 63 9 (1998): 51-56. Frankenburger, William; Christie Cannon. "Effects of Ritalin on Academic Achievement from First to Fifth Grade." International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education. 46 2 (1999): 199-221. Jensen, Peter S. Lori Kettle, Margret T Roper. "Are Stimulants Overprescribed? Treatment of ADHD in Four U.S. Communitites." Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. 38 7 (1999): 797-804. Maynard, R.. "Omaha Pupils Given "Behavior Drugs." Washington Post 29 June 1970: A8. Read, J.S. "Ritalin: It's not the Teacher's Decision." CEC Today. 2 (1995): 14. Yehle, A.K.; Wambold, Clark. "An ADHD Success Story: Strategies for Teachers and Students." Teaching Exceptional Children. 30 (1998): 6 8-13.