ADHD Medication Katy KozminskiAmber Rice Sam Murray Will Trumper

Do you know a child who… has trouble focusing on tasks? constantly fidgets? has a short attention span? has trouble interacting in social situations? interrupts frequently? seems impatient?

It’s possible that the child has… A ttention D eficit H yperactivity D isorder

Background Information First described in 1845 by Dr. Hoffman First published in 1902 by Sir George F. Still Mental and behavior disorder Caused by an imbalance of Dopamine Controls behavior Most common prescribed medications are Ritalin and Adderral

Dr. Hoffman Also a poet “The Story of Fidgety Philip” Accurate description of a little boy with ADHD

Statistics Who’s affected? 8-10% of school age children 30-50% of adults Boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed Children as young as 3 have been diagnosed Average range is 8-12 years Areas of the brain appear to be 5-10% smaller

Ritalin and Adderral Stimulants Stronger than caffeine but weaker than amphetamines Similar to “street drugs” Cocaine and Methamphetamine Not weight dependent Can acquire a tolerance/dependence

Benefits and Risks BENEFITS Combats symptoms Increases attention span Calming effect Decreases fidgeting Increases the ability to focus Improves social skills RISKS Abuse of medication Serious side effects Vomiting/ stomachache Insomnia Loss of appetite/ weight loss Cardiac arrest Psychotic behavior Kidney, lung and tissue damage

Section of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Prohibits discrimination within schools Equal education opportunities Ensures participation in extracurricular activities No special education required Applies to less severe cases Children are not taken out of normal classes

Individuals with disabilities Education Act (2004) Governs special education Equal education opportunities Ensures participation in extracurricular activities Special education required Applies to more severe cases Not necessarily kept in normal classes

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