Introduction
As research studies show, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent disorders in most learning institutions. As a result of these most learners who suffer from this condition are nowadays under medication aimed at reducing any signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Most ADHD medicines are stimulants meant to rectify the biochemical condition in the human brain, which has been cited as the primary cause of the attention and impulse control problem.
Over a long time, these medicines have proved to be beneficial to this class of learners, as most researches show that, as compared to un-medicated learners, most learners under the ADHD medication have shown improved academic performance. As a result of these, there has been an increase in the number of pharmacological treatments of learners with ADHD.
Although such is the case, ADHD treating medicines have also been associated with abuse and some side effects, which to a larger extent can impair learning. Most regular users of ADHD drugs are prone to addiction and numerous side effects, in case of an overdose or withdraw.
This scenario results mostly due to the fact that, most ADHD suffers under medication have a tendency of developing a dependency syndrome, in their endeavour to maintain their academic performance (DeFrates-Densch and Smith 677-689). Therefore, although ADHD medicines can help to promote academic performance of learners with ADHD, sometimes if not well used, they can greatly affect the achievement standards of learners with ADHD.
Positive Effects of ADHD Medication on Education
The primarily problem that faces most learners with ADHD is concentrating in the classroom because of the neurological deficits, which make it hard for teachers to teach them in a traditional classroom setting. In the past, because of this, most learning institutions were forced to have “special” classes for this group of learners.
However, with the introduction of ADHD drugs, nowadays ADHD sufferers can learn normally under normal leaning conditions with learners who are not suffering from ADHD. As research studies show, ADHD drugs have an activating and energising effect on learners with the ADHD anomaly; hence, most learners who are under medication, can afford to concentrate and attend to their academic needs (McClure 1-2).
In addition, as Rabiner (1) argues, because of the hyperactivity and impulsivity reducing effect of ADHD drugs, most ADHD suffers are nowadays able to learn in an indistinguishable class setting, because of the reduced instances of disruptive behaviours; hence, reducing the level of discrimination from other learners.
On the other hand, because of the suppressing effect of these drugs on impulsive behaviour, ADHD drugs play an integral role of promoting positive relationships between sufferers and their siblings, parents, and fellow learners.
This is very essential in the learning process of learners with ADHD, because these learners can seek assistance and guidance from fellow learners, siblings, and parents with minimal express. It is important for parents and educators to note that, the effects of ADHD drugs are normally short term; hence, from time to time, learners should be reminded of need to take their medicine.
Negative Effects of ADHD Medications
Although ADHD medications are of great significance to learners with the ADHD disorder, majority of this stimulants are very addictive, as they have to be taken from time to time by the suffers. In addition, as research studies show, majority of learners with this condition have a tendency of overdosing themselves, without considering any side effects that may result from such overdoses. Depending on the type stimulant, different ADHD drugs have different effects on individuals.
For example, Ritalin, one of the most common ADHD stimulants can make learners to fall asleep even during class time, be nervous, and experience high levels of nervousness. In addition, ADHD stimulants can cause headaches, abdominal pains, and depression. Although research findings show that, these effects are short-term, they can greatly affect a learner’s performance standards, as they are likely to disturb the normal learning process.
On the other hand, some ADHD medications can also cause dysphoria; a condition characterised by a bland and emotionless appearance of learners. This condition mostly caused when a learner takes an overdose of the prescribed ADHD drug. As research studies show, some of these side effects can be very detrimental on the normal learning process (Austin, Staats, and Burgdorf 19-22).
Conclusion
In conclusion, although ADHD drugs have some associated negative effects on the general performance of a learner, their contributions are immense not only to the education of the learner, but also to the development of positive relationships between learners and other concerned parties.
Therefore, it is important for parents to encourage their children who are suffering from this condition to use these drugs, are they greatly help to minimise any ADHD symptoms, which may affect their smooth learning. It is important for parents and educators to note that, these drugs cannot work on their own without the help of instructors and parents. Hence, it is the duty of parents and educators to provide favourable learning conditions and any required academic guidance to these learners.
Works Cited
Austin, Margaret, Staats, Natalie, and Burgdorf, Laura. ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 2007. Web.
DeFrates-Densch, Nancy and Smith, Cecil. Handbook of research on adult learning and development. Web.
McClure, Thomas. Interventions for students with ADHD. 2008. Web.
Rabiner, David. ADHD medications. ADHD News. 2010. Web.