Children are naturally full of energy, but there are some people who find this to be a problem. According to Julian Haber, “More than 90% of methylphenidate (Ritalin) is manufactured and prescribed to children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (2). Doctors, teachers and parents who advocate this drug say it helps children focus their energy and stay task-oriented. However, they should also carefully examine the possible long-term effects this type of drug can have on the mental and physical levels. Today's children are tomorrow's adults, so it is essential to make the right choices when facing the future. American children are being prescribed medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) more than ever because it is a relatively new disease, contributing to the lack of available options for treatment and creating a greater possibility of not only being overdiagnosed but also misdiagnosed.ADHD is a name that is becoming more and more relevant in families across America. The defining characteristics of ADHD have been around as long as humanity. This disease is defined as: “a childhood mental disorder with onset before 7 years of age and involving reduced or impaired attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity” (Mosby's Medical Dictionary 166). There have always been differences between people that allow some to be more/less extroverted, more/less focused, or more/less impulsive. The change does not lie in the actions of people with these differences, rather, the change comes from the perception of society as a whole and whether this behavior is acceptable or not. A child accompanied by erratic behavior is seen as a problem and the assumption is made occasionally... middle of paper... cines were not available and this gives most people an open mind about taking medications, but you need to use extreme caution when dealing with something as powerful as some medications. The main goal is to set future generations up for success and provide a clear understanding to children about when they need to take medication and when they don't. Doing the right thing starts with today's leaders. Works Cited Breggin, Peter R. Talking Back To Ritalin. Revised ed. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing, 2001. 5, 6, 64. Print.Haber, Julian S. The Great Misdiagnosis of ADHD. Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing Company, 2000. 2, 22. Print."ADHD." Mosby's Medical Dictionary. 8th ed. 2009. 165-66. Print.Taylor, John F. The Hyperactive Child and the Family The Complete Handbook on What to Do. Pickering, Ontario, Canada: Beaverbooks, 1980. 17, 61. Print.