The Dangers Of Overprescribed ADHD Medications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become
the fastest growing diagnosed disorder among children under
the age of 18. Many children in countries such as the US,
New Zealand and Australia are being prescribed medications
at an alarming rate. As the FDA requires ADHD drugs to
carry warning labels, the overmedication of children with
ADHD is becoming a real concern.

Most ADHD drugs are stimulant that contain amphetamine.
Various side effects have been reported from taking these
drugs. Some of them tend to suppress feelings of any kind,
making children unhappy. Some are addictive and prone to
substance abuse. In some cases, depression can lead to
suicidal thoughts or actions.

Ritalin is a common prescription medication for ADHD in
children to help them concentrate better. The side effects
of Ritalin include headaches, stomach ache, insomnia,
dizziness, nervousness, weight loss and even cardiac
arrhythmia. The effects of long-term use are not fully
known however it has been linked to abnormal brain
development and stunted growth in small children.

Adderall is another ADHD drug that combines various
amphetamines. The common side effects of taking Adderall
include dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, headache, dry
mouth and weight loss.

The potential for addiction and abuse is the biggest cause
for alarm in ADHD medications. Children, particularly
teens, who take these medications without the supervision
of their parents and doctors are more likely to misuse and
become addicted to the drugs.

There are other types of treatment for ADHD, especially for
less severe cases. One alternative treatment is to make
dietary changes. There are specific allergy causing foods
that can trigger or add to hyperactivity such as wheat,
dairy products, sugar, soy and eggs. Avoid refined
carbohydrates and processed foods. The latter tend to
contain preservatives, coloring and artificial flavoring
which can cause further behavioral problems. A dietician
can help determine a proper diet plan for children with
ADHD.

Herbal remedies are also available to treat ADHD and are
effective for mild to moderate cases. These remedies do
not come with the side effects and possible addiction that
conventional prescription medications do. Behavior therapy
is beneficial as it teaches children to cope in various
situations. Children that understand how to react when they
are frustrated, angry or misunderstood can learn to better
control their behavior.

While there is no one treatment that works for every child,
the right combination of treatment options can keep the
symptoms of ADHD under control. Parents should be less
accepting of conventional prescription treatments and
should discuss ADHD alternative treatment options with
their doctor. ADHD children who are prescribed medications
must be monitored to prevent addiction and substance abuse.

----------------------------------------------------
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD symptoms
in children and adult. The long term effects of ADHD
medications are still unknown but medical researchers
warned of permanent changes to brain chemistry and
behavior. Learn more about alternative treatments for ADHD
at
http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-adhdmed