SEARCH:

Investigative Reports

Generation RX: Reading, Writing, and Ritalin

Over four million American children take Ritalin or some other form of pharmaceutical for either Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Are these drugs miracle cures for children with behavioral problems or are they over-prescribed abused drugs that are given to normal children when they exhibit any signs of unruliness? There is a raging debate among parents, educators and physicians about the use and overuse of these drugs. This episode of INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS examines this controversy and uses case studies to present different views. Generation Rx: Reading, Writing and Ritalin would be useful for classes on Science and Technology, Education and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES

Students will explore the different sides of the Ritalin controversy and learn how to construct an argument. They will examine the role of evidence and expert opinions in validating or discounting a point of view.

Vocabulary

• Compliance
• Controversy
• Diagnostic
• Illegible
• Impulsive
• Insomnia
• Precocious
• Psychiatry
• Psychosis
• Ritual
• Toxin
• Validity

Discussion Questions

1. Over four million American children take some type of drug because they have been diagnosed with either ADD or ADHD; the most common drug is Ritalin. What is Ritalin? What type of drug is it?
2. Why is Ritalin prescribed for some children?
3. Taking Ritalin is part of some children's daily ritual. What is a ritual? What is your daily ritual?
4. What are the most common symptoms of ADD and ADHD?
5. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
6. How can you tell if a child is ADHD or just an active, normal child? How does this confusion add to the debate?
7. The drug Ritalin is surrounded by controversy. Why is this drug so controversial?
8. Discuss the different sides of the debate and controversy surrounding Ritalin.
9. What does a diagnostic expert do? How do they perform their jobs?
10. Diagnosing ADD or ADHD is very different than diagnosing other childhood maladies. What are the problems with the diagnoses of ADD or ADHD?
11. Diagnosing ADD or ADHD is subjective. What does this mean? How is the diagnosis of these conditions different than objective diagnoses?
12. Michael Weathers' physician prescribed Ritalin. How did Michael react to the drug?
13. Why are some schools accusing some parents of medical neglect? Do they have a right to do this? Why or why not?
14. How does Ritalin work?

Extended Activities

1. Moderate a debate in which alternate methods of treatment are discussed.
2. Research the symptoms of ADD and ADHD and create a poster listing these symptoms.