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U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration -
The Drug Enforcement Administration has given permission to Safer Child, Inc. to reprint this article on ADD/ADHD and stimulants -- including methylphenidate (Ritalin).
ADHD is a behavioral disorder characterized by inpulsivity, inattention and, sometimes, hyperactivity. As these are common behaviors of all children, a diagnosis of ADHD should only be made when these symptoms are judged excessive, long-term and pervasive, causing clinically significant impairment that cannot be attributed to other causes. It is important to recognize that ADHD is not the only impairment that will cause a child to be impulsive, disorganized, inattentive or excessively active. Family disruptions including sickness, death, loss of employment, divorce or absence of parental guidance within a family can seriously impact a child's emotional well-being and consequently, their behavior.
Most children that are diagnosed with ADHD are treated with stimulants: either methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall or Dexedrine). Both of these substances are powerful stimulants that have been identified as having the highest abuse potential and dependence profile of all drugs that have medical utility. Although methylphenidate and amphetamine are stimulants, they have a paradoxical effect on hyperactive individuals. These drug substances increase the amount of particular neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, to reduce hyperactivity and improve the ability to focus, work and consequently, learn. The use of these drugs has increased significantly in recent years (about a 5-fold increase since 1991). About 17 million prescriptions were written for these drugs in 1999 -- the vast majority written for children and young adults for the treatment of ADHD. The use of these drugs is often the subject of controversy and is frequently associated with misinformation and confusion.
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