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There are valid points from many of the comments in this thread. From experience, many children are prescribed stimulants for ADD/ADHD "symptoms" at the mere suggestion of school counselors (Jefferson County Schools KY). If a child acts up often or is a constant disruption, medication may be a requirement for the child to remain in the school. This is a fact.
And... parents DO attempt to influence their doctors to give their child "something" out of frustration or just poor parenting skills. This is highly unfortunate for the child and I believe can seriously compound the real issues remaining misaddressed.
I am an adult with ADHD. I was diagnosed in 2000 after a lifetime of frustration. I am also mildly narcoleptic (both are managed with stimulants). Ritalin and stimulants saved my life so-to-speak. I was past the point of desperation.
Now, I am a reasonably successful professional with a wife, children, a nice house, and a reasonable outlook on life. I'm either very fortunate or lucky, this in not a typical outcome. But without stimulant medication and learning how to manage my distraction, I may have disappeared into obscurity. Many who slip through the cracks are criminals or drug abusers. Many ADD/ADHD people seek to self medicate.
Stimulants work opposite for me than for most non-ADD/ADHD. My dosage may make the average person extremely agitated or hyper. I become calm and relaxed. The layers of the onion fall away and I can focus. I am also a professional musician who is now able to concentrate on technique and styles I never could master.
...any way, Ritalin or stimulants have their place if used properly. Feel free to ask questions here or in private if you'd like some information for yourself or to help others.
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