The Pros And Cons Of ADHD Medications

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When I was young my parents would argue about anything and everything, even after their divorce. My brother was ten years old and diagnosed with ADHD. My father insisted that he should take the medications prescribed to him, but my mother thought it was an unnecessary risk until he was in high school. Of course, this debate lasted a while and I decided that I would do my own research and form my own opinion. One in 15 children ages 4-10 are currently diagnosed with ADHD and one in nine for kids ages 11-14 (“Statistical Evidence”). This number continues to increase for all ages, but is it necessary for children this young to take daily medication to treat it? I believe it is not necessary for children to take ADHD medications before they are in high school because the side effects are not worth the risk considering grades do not affect your future until high school and there are many other ways to treat ADHD. …show more content…

About 83% of children that have tried medication have experienced side effects and 35% of children who stopped taking the medication said it was because of the side effects they were experiencing (Pros and cons). The most troubling side effect is irritability and anger. About 28% of children taking the medication reported having anger issues and children with ADHD already risk a higher chance of developing depression (Pros and cons). Also, about 18% of parents whose children took medication said that their child lost their personality or that the medicine had a “flat effect” on their behavior (Pros and cons). Having a flat personality at a young age and being angry can lead to children having a difficulty making friends and could also add fuel to the fire of developing depression. These are just a few of the side effects and development issues these medications can impose on young

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