ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence

Mindblaze wrote:

I agree that it levels the playing field. But it can also be used as a
crutch for some. My question is this - what percentage of children in
the entire population would benefit from stimulent drugs (better
ability to focus, more alert)?

Most adults ingest caffeine regularly. Apparently most people like a
little more focus and alertness. Even most teenagers from my
observation (Pepsi instead of coffee, usually). Obviously we are, and
should be, more careful about what we give growing kids, but it doesn't
seem like we as a society have made the judgment that mild stimulents
are seriously harmful.

StovePipe wrote:

"Mark Probert" Mark wrote:

According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their school grades
improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the parents of
the teens with ADHD also reported seeing improvements in self-esteem, social
relationships and enhanced participation in extracurricular activities.

Now, this is what I don't get: if the above is true, I don't see why
AD(H)D is NOT classified as a learning disorder. It can certainly hinder
one's chances of doing well in school and in life. Can anyone clarify
this for me?

I'm not an expert, but my understanding is that a learning disability
has to directly impair the ability to learn - read, comprehend,
calculate, whatever. Lack of focus may result in less learning, but it
is a side effect. Asthma probably result in less learning too.

In alt.support.attn-deficit Mark Probert Mark wrote:
: ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence


: THURSDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- Treating teens diagnosed with
: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their grades,
: provides higher self-esteem and improves family relationships, according to
: the results of a new U.S. survey conducted for the National Mental Health
: Association (NMHA).

: The online survey -- which included 268 parents of 14-to-18-year-olds with
: ADHD and another 265 teens diagnosed with the disorder -- was funded by
: McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The parents and teens were
: recruited independently and were not matched pairs from the same families.

: Sixty-six percent of the parents said their teens were currently receiving
: treatment for ADHD, while 61 percent of the teens in the survey said they
: were currently receiving treatment, which included medication, counseling
: and/or behavior therapy, and school services.

: According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their school grades
: improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the parents of

That's not a terribly high number.

I found the opposite was true. Stimulants kill motivation.


Emma

"Emma Chase VanCott" wrote in message
...
In alt.support.attn-deficit Mark Probert Mark
wrote:
: ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence


: THURSDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- Treating teens diagnosed with
: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their grades,
: provides higher self-esteem and improves family relationships, according
to
: the results of a new U.S. survey conducted for the National Mental
Health
: Association (NMHA).

: The online survey -- which included 268 parents of 14-to-18-year-olds
with
: ADHD and another 265 teens diagnosed with the disorder -- was funded by
: McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The parents and teens were
: recruited independently and were not matched pairs from the same
families.

: Sixty-six percent of the parents said their teens were currently
receiving
: treatment for ADHD, while 61 percent of the teens in the survey said
they
: were currently receiving treatment, which included medication,
counseling
: and/or behavior therapy, and school services.

: According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their school
grades
: improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the
parents of

That's not a terribly high number.

I found the opposite was true. Stimulants kill motivation.

Show us your peer-reviewed studies that show this in patients with ADHD,
which is the subject at hand.

Jeff

Emma

"Emma Chase VanCott" wrote in message
...
In alt.support.attn-deficit Mark Probert Mark
wrote:
: ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence


: THURSDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- Treating teens diagnosed with
: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their grades,
: provides higher self-esteem and improves family relationships, according
to
: the results of a new U.S. survey conducted for the National Mental
Health
: Association (NMHA).

: The online survey -- which included 268 parents of 14-to-18-year-olds
with
: ADHD and another 265 teens diagnosed with the disorder -- was funded by
: McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The parents and teens were
: recruited independently and were not matched pairs from the same
families.

: Sixty-six percent of the parents said their teens were currently
receiving
: treatment for ADHD, while 61 percent of the teens in the survey said
they
: were currently receiving treatment, which included medication,
counseling
: and/or behavior therapy, and school services.

: According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their school
grades
: improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the
parents of

That's not a terribly high number.

I found the opposite was true. Stimulants kill motivation.

never heard that before. From my experience, the person is able to focus
their motivation.

"never heard that before.
From my experience, the person is able to focus
their motivation."

Works both ways.
One's reward-seeing behavior can become sated,
Since the meds calms the impulse.

Emma wrote -

"That's not a terribly high number.

I found the opposite was true. Stimulants kill motivation."

People are taking pscho-active medication and are making a concerted
effort to deal with a problem!

... yet ONLY ~ 55% say that it 'benefits! ... NOT impressive IMHO

====================================

... as for 'Stimulants kill motivation." ?

Motivation versus 'accomplishment' versus 'achievement' versus 'doing'
versus 'school grades' versus 'personal growth' ... ...

These are such crude and broadly consequential 'terms', it is unclear
as to whether an increase in one or a decease on another means anything
whatsoever!

Motivation isn't everything ...
Grades aren't everything ...
etc ...

Too crude to decide anything IMHO ...

"Mark Probert" Mark wrote in message
...

"LadyLollipop" wrote in message
news:bAs_d.80904$Ze3.56407@attbi_s51...

"Jeff" wrote in message
...

"LadyLollipop" wrote in message
news:GMo_d.79298$r55.559@attbi_s52...

"Mark Probert" Mark wrote in message
...
ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence


THURSDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- Treating teens diagnosed with
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their grades,
provides higher self-esteem and improves family relationships,
according
to
the results of a new U.S. survey conducted for the National Mental
Health
Association (NMHA).

The online survey -- which included 268 parents of 14-to-18-year-olds
with
ADHD and another 265 teens diagnosed with the disorder -- was funded
by
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The parents and teens
were
recruited independently and were not matched pairs from the same
families.

Sixty-six percent of the parents said their teens were currently
receiving
treatment for ADHD, while 61 percent of the teens in the survey said
they
were currently receiving treatment, which included medication,
counseling
and/or behavior therapy, and school services.

According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their school
grades
improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the
parents
of
the teens with ADHD also reported seeing improvements in self-esteem,
social
relationships and enhanced participation in extracurricular
activities.

"ADHD amplifies the issues that all teens grapple with, such as heavy
demands at school, more complicated social situations, and a growing
desire
for independence," Michael Faenza, president and CEO of the nonprofit
NMHA,
said in a prepared statement.

"Therefore, it is critical that they receive the support and
treatment
needed to succeed during these critical years," Faenza said.

"Research shows that as many as 80 percent of children with ADHD
exhibit
persistent symptoms during adolescence, and 60 percent go on to
display
symptoms during adulthood," Dr. David Goodman, an assistant professor
of
psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University, said
in
a
prepared statement.

"Left untreated, many teenagers with ADHD experience academic
impairment,
driving-related incidents, and are at higher risk of substance abuse,
encounters with law-enforcement, and consequent negative impact
within
the
family," Goodman said.

More information:


The American Academy of Pediatrics has more about ADHD treatment


http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_d...C&sub_ca t=21

Diplomas say, degree in drugs. i.e. stimulants. (cheating is OK

And steroids come to the aid of helping athletes obtain winning at all
costs.(cheating is OK

You're comparing apples and oranges.

NO, I,'m not. College students are using Ritalin to cram for tests. Same
principle.Reach for a drug is the modern thing.

I do not recall anyone ever posting who would condone that. However, you
posted your usual rant about abuse to an article which dealt with
non-abuse
use. Thus, you are, indeed, comparing apples and oranges.

Treating teens diagnosed with
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their grades,

"Mark Probert" Mark wrote in message
...

"LadyLollipop" wrote in message
news:GMo_d.79298$r55.559@attbi_s52...

"Mark Probert" Mark wrote in message
...
ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence


THURSDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- Treating teens diagnosed with
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their grades,
provides higher self-esteem and improves family relationships,
according
to
the results of a new U.S. survey conducted for the National Mental
Health
Association (NMHA).

The online survey -- which included 268 parents of 14-to-18-year-olds
with
ADHD and another 265 teens diagnosed with the disorder -- was funded by
McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The parents and teens were
recruited independently and were not matched pairs from the same
families.

Sixty-six percent of the parents said their teens were currently
receiving
treatment for ADHD, while 61 percent of the teens in the survey said
they
were currently receiving treatment, which included medication,
counseling
and/or behavior therapy, and school services.

According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their school
grades
improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the
parents
of
the teens with ADHD also reported seeing improvements in self-esteem,
social
relationships and enhanced participation in extracurricular activities.

"ADHD amplifies the issues that all teens grapple with, such as heavy
demands at school, more complicated social situations, and a growing
desire
for independence," Michael Faenza, president and CEO of the nonprofit
NMHA,
said in a prepared statement.

"Therefore, it is critical that they receive the support and treatment
needed to succeed during these critical years," Faenza said.

"Research shows that as many as 80 percent of children with ADHD
exhibit
persistent symptoms during adolescence, and 60 percent go on to display
symptoms during adulthood," Dr. David Goodman, an assistant professor
of
psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University, said in
a
prepared statement.

"Left untreated, many teenagers with ADHD experience academic
impairment,
driving-related incidents, and are at higher risk of substance abuse,
encounters with law-enforcement, and consequent negative impact within
the
family," Goodman said.

More information:


The American Academy of Pediatrics has more about ADHD treatment


http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_d...C&sub_ca t=21

Diplomas say, degree in drugs. i.e. stimulants. (cheating is OK

And steroids come to the aid of helping athletes obtain winning at all
costs.(cheating is OK

The good old fashion way of doing it the hard way, on your own is out.

No, it is not cheating


http://www.thedailyaztec.com/news/20...e-780889.shtml

Students use ADD drugs to gain edge
Use of Ritalin and Adderall without a prescription is rising at many
universities
By Abbey Gibb
Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Article Tools: Page 1 of 1




Media Credit: Kelly Calligan
A 2002 study found one in five college students use Adderall or
Ritalin without a prescription.



Media Credit: Kelly Calligan
Student says she thinks Adderall and Ritalin have grown in
popularity because they´re sold at cheap prices - just $2 to $3 a pill.


Faced with the pressure of exams and essay deadlines, many students are
turning to two prescription drugs in an attempt to help gain an edge while
studying.

Adderall and Ritalin, commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are now being used by students
without the disorders, in hopes it will help them study longer.

Alex, a business major who asked that her last name be left out, was first
offered Ritalin by a friend with a legal prescription during finals week of
the second semester of her freshman year. She took one pill of Ritalin each
night for three days in a row.

"It allowed me to focus and concentrate on my studies without getting tired
or distracted," she said. "Granted, I didn't sleep at all, but I felt
prepared the next morning and did well on all of my finals that week."

Alex said this semester she takes the drug about once a month, saving it for
when her schedule gets hectic and she needs to study throughout the night to
get everything done.

"This drug makes you like doing your homework - you can work for 14 hours
straight and have it not even faze you," she said.

Cori, an art major who also asked that her last name be withheld, agrees
with Alex.

"I have a tendency to procrastinate, so it's my way of catching up in life,"
she said. "Adderall gives me extra hours in the day."

Opponents of the drug say it's not the side effects but the risk of
addiction that poses the greatest threat to students who take Adderall and
Ritalin unprescribed.

According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Adderall and
Ritalin are classified as Schedule II controlled substances under the
Substance Abuse Act, meaning the drug is legal, but as an amphetamine, has a
high potential for abuse. The classification also means abuse of the drug
may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Even though use without a prescription is a felony and can result in jail
time, students continue to take the drugs unprescribed at an alarming rate.

Cori feels most college students don't take the risk of getting caught
seriously.

"Practically everyone does it in college at some point or another," she
said.

In 2002, one in five college students reported using Ritalin or Adderall
without a prescription, according to a University of Wisconsin study.

Cori said she believes Adderall and Ritalin have grown in popularity because
they are cheap - about $2 to $3 a pill - and are readily accessible.

"If I wanted to take it every night I could," Cori said. "There is always
someone who knows someone that has it.

"I think because it's so commonly used, students feel safe using it."

Not all students feel the need to turn to prescription drugs for an added
boost of energy, however.

Communication junior Sarah Galvin said she has never taken either Ritalin or
Adderall. Instead, she said she turns to coffee when she needs to stay up
and cram.

"I'm afraid that if I take it once, I'll get hooked on it and need it all
the time to study," she said. "I'm also afraid of what it will do to my body
physically since I don't have ADD or ADHD."

Alex believes one reason Ritalin and Adderall use is so prevalent among
college students is because most don't see the drug as posing any major side
effects or drawbacks.

"Coming down from it you're really tired, but that's not a major deterrent
for most college students," she said. "You would be tired if you stayed up
all night drinking coffee too. Ritalin is just an extra guarantee that
everything that needs to get done does, and if being tired is what it takes,
it's definitely worth the A."

Tim Aquino, a clinical pharmacist, said Ritalin and Adderall are more
efficient than caffeine when studying.

"You become more alert and your acute senses are sharper than using caffeine
alone," he said. However, he warned against its use.

"Once you hit a certain point, you then go into the depletion process," he
said.

Pharmacists and psychologists said along with "crashing" because of physical
exhaustion, there are other major side effects students don't realize when
using the drug unprescribed.

"When the drugs wane, there is a tendency for some students to become prone
to depression and anxiety because there is some depletion of
neurotransmitters," Aquino said. "Students can also, if they stay up too
long, suffer symptoms of sleep deprivation."

Cori said she's not concerned about the drug's drawbacks.

"I don't worry about addiction or withdrawals because I don't take Adderall
often enough to get addicted," she said. "I also try to take the lower of
the two doses to reduce my risk of dependence."

William Frankenberger, a psychology professor at the University of
Wisconsin, Eau Claire said, "People don't realize what (Ritalin and
Adderall) are - and the similarities between them and cocaine are much
greater than the difference."

Aquino said some students who say they only do Adderall or Ritalin as a last
resort could be just fooling themselves.

"Addiction really depends on the addictive nature of the individual, but the
first sign of addiction is when you start to lie about your use," he said.
"Many students who initially used it for a difficult final or midterm now
use it for a test they think is too hard, and the cycle begins."
==================
THAT''S CALLED NO SELF DISCIPLINE AND CHEATING!!!!!!

The good old fashion way of doing it the hard way, on your own is out.

Mark Probert wrote:
"Emma Chase VanCott" wrote in message
...
In alt.support.attn-deficit Mark Probert Mark

wrote:
: ADHD Treatment Improves Teens' Grades, Confidence


: THURSDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- Treating teens diagnosed
with
: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boosts their
grades,
: provides higher self-esteem and improves family relationships,
according
to
: the results of a new U.S. survey conducted for the National
Mental
Health
: Association (NMHA).

: The online survey -- which included 268 parents of
14-to-18-year-olds
with
: ADHD and another 265 teens diagnosed with the disorder -- was
funded by
: McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The parents and
teens were
: recruited independently and were not matched pairs from the same
families.

: Sixty-six percent of the parents said their teens were currently
receiving
: treatment for ADHD, while 61 percent of the teens in the survey
said
they
: were currently receiving treatment, which included medication,
counseling
: and/or behavior therapy, and school services.

: According to the survey, 56 percent of the teens said their
school
grades
: improved after they began receiving treatment. Both teens and the
parents of

That's not a terribly high number.

I found the opposite was true. Stimulants kill motivation.

never heard that before. From my experience, the person is able to
focus
their motivation.

but if a person (for what ever reason) isn't motivated, it probably
won't help much.

kate