Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, and is usually diagnosed in childhood. It can last into adulthood, though adults may be better able to manage it as symptoms lesson and/or they receive proper treatment. Due to difficulty in processing neural stimuli, people with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate or control impulsive behavior, and they exhibit higher motor activity and may even be hyperactive.
There is not yet a cure for AHHD. Behavior therapy and/or medication are often recommended for these children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Medication can help children manage their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life and can help them control the behaviors that cause difficulties with family, friends, and at school.”
Medications can be very effective, but they are not without risks and downsides; Medications haven’t been well studied long-term, and they can have side effects such as decreased appetite and/or sleep problems.
Of the approximately 10 percent of U.S. children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, 62 % of take medication. However, a new study reports that ADHD medication errors increased nearly 300%, representing 124,383 total ADHD medication errors during the study timeframe.
