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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5-page paper outlines the use of Ritalin for treating children with AD/HD and the potential dangers of such treatment. Such side effects include irritation, aggressiveness, learning disabilities and possible addictions. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MTrithaz.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin. The idea behind the use of Ritalin was that it was supposed to calm the children down and help them focus more effectively. However, as
Ritalin usage continues to increase, its found that while the drug does provide some calming influences, there are also some undesirable side effects. One major problem with Ritalin is that
not much testing on long-term side effects has been initiated, meaning that future problems could loom with the use of this drug.
There is already proof that Ritalin could be causing lasting brain changes (Fine 6). The original belief among physicians is that the effects of the drug were short lived, but
a new study, performed in 2001, demonstrated that the drug can affect the brain even after the therapy ends (Fine 6). Such changes found in the brain can mimic those
found with other stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine (Fine 6). What hasnt been determined, however, is whether those changes are beneficial or detrimental to a childs long-term health
(Fine 6). Among the concerns raised by U.S. scientists, some of the side effects include appetite loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety and periodic
depression and even cancer in mice (Wittmeier 29). Some preschoolers on the drug also can experience severe social withdrawal, increased moodiness and crying and irritability (Moore 102).
One of the more dramatic side effects of Ritalin has been outright death, particularly among children who had their dosages increased just days before (Wittmeier
29). Then there are scientists who are linking use of Ritalin to later drug addiction (Peterson 270). Some researchers believe that
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