Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that is often prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially in children. According to the federal government, almost 6 million children ages 3 to 17 years are diagnosed with ADHD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Of these, 62% are taking ADHD medication. While the symptoms of ADHD are controlled, questions have been raised about the short and long-term risks and side effects of Ritalin.

In This Weeks work 

Not all stimulants are created equal. While some have no approved medical value and are listed as Schedule I drugs in the United States, other have proven therapeutic benefits. One such drug is Ritalin. 

Based on the reading for this week, your own research, and/or your own experiences, respond to the following questions:

• What are the potential side effects of the use of Ritalin by children? 
• How do you feel about children taking medications to modify their behavior? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
• If you had a child who had been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, would you allow them to go on Ritalin? Explain why or why not.