According to an article by NIDA (2014), methylphenidate is a stimulant drug prescribed to treat ADHD mostly used for children. The drug is a stimulant has the risk of addiction or causing addiction of other drugs in future although different studies have overruled this claim (Hodgkins, Shaw, Coghill, & Hechtman, 2012). Methylphenidate is known as Ritalin is helping calm down children that are hyperactive and have problems concentrating. These effects have led to the abuse of the drug among students. According to Treuer, Gau, Mendez, et al., (2013), students use the drug to enhance their concentration and boost their academics, which can result in addiction of the drug and potential for addiction of other drugs. This peer review aims to understand the pros and cons of Ritalin by using different scientific studies.
The Pros of Ritalin
Several studies depict that Ritalin aids in calming and improving concentration among ADHD patients. These effects enhance education, self-control, self-esteem, and improve the family relationships among the patients (NIDA. 2014). ADHD is characterized by the inability to concentrate or differentiates the things to put more emphasis on compared to others hence the high rate of distractions and the over-activity either in play or impatience among the patients that inhibit their relationships with other people as they do not know when to stop.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The Cons of Ritalin
Studies depict that patients with ADHD symptoms are different thus their different reactions to the medication. The most common side effects are the decline in appetite, sleeplessness, headaches, stomachaches, and irritability. These side effects can be devastating for the patient once the medicine has worn off and in most; more than 25% the drugs do not reduce the hyperactivity (Wsupgdocs.org, 2011).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Ritalin has both active and adverse effects hence the need to determine whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. There are other approaches to treating ADHD with less or no side effects such as cognitive-therapies, which studies term as the most effective treatment. The increasing rate of abuse among students is worrying as the drug can result in high blood pressure and addiction (NIDA. 2014). Although some recent studies deny the latter; it is safer to limit the reliance of stimulants on improving our academics.
References
Hodgkins, P., Shaw, M., Coghill, D., & Hechtman, L. (2012). Amfetamine and methylphenidate medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: complementary treatment options. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 21 (9), 477–492. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-012-0286-5
Wsupgdocs.org. (2011). Methylphenidate for ADHD: Pros and Cons. University Physician Group. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from http://www.wsupgdocs.org/family-medicine/WayneStateContentPage.aspx?nd=1651
NIDA. (2014, January 21). Stimulant ADHD Medications: Methylphenidate and Amphetamines. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/stimulant-adhd-medications-methylphenidate-amphetamines
Treuer T, Gau SS, Mendez L, et al., (2013). A Systematic Review of Combination Therapy with Stimulants and Atomoxetine for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, including Patient Characteristics, Treatment Strategies, Effectiveness, and Tolerability. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology . 2013; 23:179-193.
