Research Paper Example about ADHD in The Classroom

Students who disrupt classrooms due to attention deficit should in fact not be required to take medication because of multiple possible side effects, effective therapy options. and a possible misdiagnosis. A huge investigation in classrooms today is, “Should students who disrupt classrooms due to attention deficit be required to take medication?” Recent studies as of 2016 show that 9.4% of children 4-17 have diagnosed ADHD. This diagnostic may not seem like a lot, but that's nearly 6.1 million children in America alone. ADHD is more common in school aged children than adults, and is prominently more common in boys than girls. 

With numbers like these researching and understanding the different sides of this compelling debate is crucial before you advocate for a specific side. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly known as ADHD is a biological disorder that can show itself with symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity oftentimes in situations where it is not appropriate.

 Modern day society seems to think that ADHD is caused by dietary elements such as consuming too much sugar or engaging in too much television but all of this has been proven to be false. Although these factors may increase symptoms, ADHD is found to have more of an environmental origin. Premature birth, low birth weight, alcohol consumption while pregnant, exposure to lead in adolescence, or brain injury can lead to ADHD. Although, some living conditions that can bring out symptoms in children can be poverty, unsupportive primary caregivers and a disordered home environment. Also doctors and psychologists make it known that ADHD cannot be treated with medication alone but rather a combination of medication or therapy alone. 

Even though this essay is mainly about how students with ADHD shouldn’t be required to take medication, there is always an opposition to every side of an debate. For optimal concentration your brain needs an almost flawless amount of dopamine and norepinephrine. ADHD medications bring up the levels of these two crucial chemicals for better concentration. Studies have shown that there’s an 80% chance that the child will have some form of reaction to the medication. 50% of that will do well with the most prevalent types of medication, which is methylphenidate and amphetamine. The other 50% will do better with somewhat of a blend of the two. 

All of these medications are stimulants and are the most widely used for ADHD treatment, plus they are exceptionally fast acting. Parents of children with ADHD who have been surveyed report that children that take medication have more successful outcomes than those who don’t. In fact, it was an almost immediate solution, and 35% say that medication is extremely effective to help provide academic excellence, and positive behavior changes at school. Medication is proven to be the most helpful to parents working to help their child live with ADHD. As a matter of fact, most experts say that if attention deficit is affecting a child’s academic performance, and social life in and out of school then ADHD medication should be prescribed. 

On the other side of this debate, many people seem to believe that students or any individual in general should not be required to take ADHD medication. Noted in a 2016 national parent survey 6 in 10 children diagnosed with ADHD had at least 1 other mental disorder that could also affect behavior in day to day life including the classroom. 52% had a behavior or conduct problem, and 33% had an anxiety disorder. 

This adds onto the symptoms displayed, and if these other possible disorders are treated through things such as behavioral therapy medication may not be deemed vital. Not to mention that various ADHD medications are notorious to cause side effects such as decreased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, and headaches. Although these side effects can be easily treated, all of this could be avoided with therapy options that give you skills that will stay with you for life. One therapy option is psychotherapy, this type of therapy has more than one benefit besides just treating ADHD symptoms. It can help develop better relationship skills, boost self confidence, and even raise the overall mood. Behavioral therapy helps people with conditions such as ADHD by teaching them skills to undo habits, and keep patients better on track. You wouldn’t be able to learn any of this through medication, and there is also a list of risks when coming off of it. 

Additionally, not to mention, if a person stays on ADHD medication for extended periods of time it can have intense long-term effects. Most medications for ADHD are “stimulants” which can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which could cause problems later in life. It could also lead to drug abuse or addiction if usage of the medication isn't properly monitored. Stimulants could also result in mood swings. Although effects like this are rare it's still an unsettling possibility. 

With all of this in consideration, I strongly advocate that students that disrupt the classroom due to attention deficit should not be required to take medication. First of all, requiring someone to take medication simply to get an education like everyone else seems to be a bit unfair and inhumane. Not to mention, all of the immediate side effects seem to be a lot in exchange for something that could be treated with therapy before even taking medication into consideration. In fact, many people in the ADHD community call it a gift rather than a disorder. ADHD can increase creativity, emotional expressiveness, interpersonal intuition, and leadership skills. Using medication may rid individuals of these gifts, but therapy can lower symptoms and teach patients how to use the brighter side of ADHD. Also, overtime your body builds a tolerance to the medication and it won't help anymore so you may have to switch medications with all new side effects and you would have to get readjusted again. Therapy is something you can build onto and you cannot become tolerant to it because you learn more and more as you go. 

As for people who believe differently than me I would tell them that whatever works best for them is what they should do but all side effects should be considered, and you should give therapy or more natural methods a try first. For people who are undecided I would do what I did in this paper. I would explain the pros and cons of each side and let them decide for themselves what they think is best. Like stated earlier “With numbers like this researching and understanding the different sides of this compelling argument is crucial before you pick sides.”

As a Christian the Bible has a tremendous part in how I form my opinions. Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but he transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” People with ADHD and other neurodivergents think slightly differently than most people at times but God didn't make us to conform to the world’s standards. With the struggles of ADHD people are challenged but these challenges bring us closer to God and show us who he truly is. As long as we are doing what God sees as good we are following his will. We are all made in the image of God but we are made differently with different ways of thinking and strengths. Therapy can help bring out these God given talents instead of just trying to mask them with medication. 

In conclusion, I think that therapy is a better solution to attention deficit because of the multiple symptoms of medication, lifelong lessons that therapy can present, possible other mental disorders, and the gifts that ADHD can bring. I strongly believe that for future treatment, patients should start therapy before medication is even considered. 

Oftentimes therapy can be cheaper than medication long-term. Say you pay 60-90 dollars a week for therapy, but you pay $500 every month to refill your prescription. Long term therapy options are cheaper, and you can pick a therapist that you like and works best with you. With medication you can’t truly pick and choose because you will still get side effects, and have to make a difficult switch to another medication every time your body becomes accustomed to the old medication. Also, with new online therapy options you can get help anywhere anytime, and it can work better with your schedule! A mental disorder such as ADHD should never hinder what you can do in life, so live your life without being hindered by medication and excruciatingly long therapy visits.