Ritalin and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Ritalin or methylphenidate is a stimulant derived from the same family as cocaine. It is being dispensed with a speed and nonchalance compatible with our drive-through culture, yet entirely at odds with good medicine and common sense. Ritalin does help some people pay attention and function better. But an excessive amount of children and adults are being prescribed Ritalin. Is Ritalin over-prescribed in today's society? The American Psychiatric Association …showed first 75 words of 842 total…

…showed last 75 words of 842 total…designed to do. Nevertheless, before putting any child on a stimulant drug, parents should seek other alternatives before using Ritalin. Most doctors cannot accurately diagnose ADHD in a twenty to thirty minute visit. The brain, the neurological seat of the soul and the self, must be treated with the utmost respect. With the demand for Ritalin growing, we must be increasingly wary about doling out a drug that can be beneficial but is more harmful.