Presents both sides of this controversial issues, concluding that to provide consistency for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in all environments, parents and educators must cooperatively plan interventions, researching and evaluating valid information about various forms of treatment before deciding to use medication. The…

In response to Robert Cooter, Jr. (EC 202 670), who questioned the widespread use of Ritalin with children having attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, this commentary considers four specific points: how Ritalin works, Ritalin's side effects and relationship to Tourette syndrome, the assumption that Ritalin leads to drug abuse, and the…

Several techniques involved in the behavioral treatment of attention deficit disorders in children are reviewed, including parent training, classroom management strategies, and social skills training. The combination of behavior therapy and stimulant medication is recommended for optimal results. (Author/DB)

The paper reviews uses and effects of psychostimulant drugs in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children. Although about 70% of ADD children treated with stimulants demonstrate short term improvements, the use of stimulants alone has not resulted in altered long-term prognosis for treated children. (Author/DB)

This article provides an overview of two commonly used therapies for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder in children: stimulant medication treatment and training parents in child behavior management skills. The clinical issues involved in the use of each treatment, its limitations, and evidence for its efficacy are reviewed. (Author/JDD)

This paper selectively reviews research on event-related potentials (ERPs) during cognitive processing among children with attention deficit disorder. Research indicates that performance deficits during sustained attention are coupled with reduced amplitude of the P3B component of the ERP, which may be increased with stimulants. P3B latency and…

Addresses the critical issues in the medication management of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the classroom. Discusses the issues of considering, trying, and optimizing stimulant medication effects. Highlights medication side effects and their management, along with long-term management issues. (Author/CR)

A parent and educator who has spent the past 10 years struggling to help her own ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) child offers suggestions for managing the challenges facing such children and enhancing the quality of their lives. Since drug regimens have limitations, parents need to read appropriate literature and receive…

Addresses classroom management concerning use of stimulant medication (STM) for students with attention-related difficulties. Identifies difficulties of noncompliance and misuse. Details ten guidelines for obtaining optimal benefit of STM are detailed and including ensure that the decision to use medication is made appropriately, promote student…

In response to a critique by Lori Bell Mick (EC 600 580), the original author counters objections to ideas concerning the nature of Ritalin, Ritalin's side effects, drug dependency, and teachers as classroom pushers. The response concludes that evidence for Ritalin's positive effect on reading achievement in children with attention deficit…

Presents basic information on Ritalin, a frequently prescribed stimulant medication for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A quiz evaluates the reader's knowledge level and is followed by an explanation of the correct answers. Also considered are pros and cons of Ritalin use, teachers' and parents' responses to the quiz, and…

Explores the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among gifted students, the effects of drug therapy, and environmental conditions that may cause or influence ADHD-like behaviors in high ability students. Diagnostic and intervention strategies are suggested to counteract environmental contributors to the problem. (Author/CR)

Study surveys students taking stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder about their experiences and attitudes related to their treatment with the medication. Although the students reported that the medication helped them somewhat in the areas of behavior, social ability with friends, parents, and teachers, and attention,…

This report provides a review of reviews concerning the effects of stimulant medication on children with attention deficit disorders (ADD) conducted by a special federally funded center at the University of California (Irvine). Both computer searching and nomination by ADD experts were used to identify the 336 reviews examined. All reviews were…

This paper critiques the methodologies used in studies finding that reading problems in children are not strongly associated with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and that medication used to treat ADD does not improve reading performance. New data are reported, suggesting increased reading difficulty with longer reading passages and improved…