Ritalin

Ritalin In recent years, more and more kids seem to be on a prescription drug called Ritalin. This drug is being handed out more and more by doctors as a way of treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a complex neurological impairment that prevents kids from concentrating. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates one out of every six students has this disorder. The rate of Ritalin use in the United States is at least five times higher than in the rest of the world according to federal studies. Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that is somewhat similar to amphetamines. It was created in 1955, classified as a controlled substance in 1971, and became the drug of choice for ADHD in 1981. It is also used in treating narcolepsy. It is thought to activate the brain stem arousal system and cortex, and, like cocaine, works on the neurotransmitter dopamine. It appears to increase the levels of dopamine in the frontal lobe where attention and impulsive actions are regulated. When taken in its intended form under a doctor's prescription, it has moderate stimulant properties. There has been a great deal of concern about its addictive qualities and adverse affects. (Long ritalin, adhd, drug, children, high, cocaine, abuse, effects, doctors, students, stimulant, disorder, because, adults, treatment, pill, kids, even, been, since, side, school, prescription, pills, people, one, effect, attention, way, under, similar, same, problem, prescriptions, parents