Assignment: Drug Treatment for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has received a lot of media coverage in the past ten years. One of the things most misunderstood about the disorder is the treatment. Children (and adults) afflicted with ADHD are often treated with stimulant drugs. Parents are often hesitant about giving their children these stimulant medications. Treating hyperactivity with a drug that increases activity appears paradoxical.

Using the Argosy University online library resources, find at least two peer-reviewed journal articles that explain the effect of stimulant drugs (such as Adderall or Ritalin-amphetamine or methylphenidate) on the brains of those with ADHD.

Create a brochure that explains the benefits of using stimulant medications and addresses the concerns of parents of children with ADHD. Be sure to use language appropriate for the audience. Include the following in your brochure:

• Summarize the findings of the two articles.
• Explain the effect that these drugs have in the brain.
• Explain the concerns of using stimulant drugs to treat ADHD.