You have been asked to speak to a parent group concerning the use of medication to assist children with ADHD. In your presentation, describe the purpose of stimulant medication including why the term is misleading. Present one advantage and one disadvantage concerning the use of such medication as treatment for ADHD.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The answer should indicate that stimulant medications are a class of medications that stimulate the brain. The term is misleading because the medication does not stimulate the entire child. These medications are thought to increase the arousal level of the central nervous system, enhancing blood flow or increasing electrical activity in the frontal lobes of the brain. Disadvantages of medication should reflect the discussion, in the chapter, of the controversy surrounding the interplay between ADHD, children, and medication. An advantage of the use of medication should indicate the reduction of symptoms of ADHD and the use of medication as a component of a multimodal intervention plan for children with more severe indicators of ADHD.