Adderall, Ritalin, AD/HD and Abuse Attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are behavioral disorders that affect the ability to pay attention, impulse control and self-discipline. They are usually associated with children, although adults can suffer from the same disorders. It is estimated that 4% - 6% of the US population suffers from AD/HD, and children with these disorders carry them into adulthood more than half the time. Usually treated with psychostimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall (methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, respectively), concern about these disorders surrounds issues such as overdiagnosis or misuse of prescribed medications. ADD is characterized by an inability to concentrate, poor self-control, and short attention span. ADHD is essentially characterized by the same deficiencies, except it includes hyperactivity and impulsivity. The two are generally lumped together under the acronym AD/HD and are treated the same, although each diagnosis may be labeled with a subtype of predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, or a combined type. Treatment involves psychological, educational and social recovery measures along with medications, but often the more time-consuming efforts at treatment are ignored in today's impatient world, with parents and patients hastily reaching for medications for a quick fix. Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, a stimulant introduced in 1956 that affects how the brain filters and responds to stimuli. This can be helpful for a person with AD/HD who feels bombarded by stimuli and is easily distracted. Although how it works is not yet largely understood, methamphetamine... center of paper... DMA (ecstasy), with the exception of seratonin for dopamine. Everything in moderation: Methylphenidate and amphetamines can be helpful for academic concentration, but dangerous if their guidelines are not met. References 1) Biopsychiatry, methylphenidate/cocaine comparisons http://www.biopsychiatry.com/2) CHADD Children and adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, http://www.chadd.org/3) National Association for attention deficit disorder, http://www.add.org/4) Erowid, http://www.erowid.org/ask/ask. cgi?ID=28465) Assessment of AD/HD in Adults, http://www.erowid.org/ask/ask.cgi?ID=28466) Increased Drug Abuse in ADD, http://www .detnews.com/2001/ Health/0111/20/a02-347551.htm7) Overdiagnosis unlikely, http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v281n16/ffull/jlt0428-4.html 8) Self-test for AD /HD, http:// /www.amenclinic.com/ac/addtests/adult.asp