Children are naturally full of energy, but some people have determined that this is a problem. According to Julian Haber, “more than 90 percent of methylphenidate (Ritalin) is produced and prescribed to children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (2). Doctors, teachers, and parents who support this drug say it helps children focus their energy and stay on task. However, they should also take a close look at the possible long-term effects that this type of medication may have mentally and physically. Today's children are tomorrow's adults. It is therefore essential to make the right choices for the future. American children are being prescribed medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) more than ever before because it is a relatively new condition, contributing to the lack of available treatment options and creating a greater risk of not only being overdiagnosed, but also being misdiagnosed. .ADHD is a name that is becoming increasingly relevant in American households. The defining characteristics of ADHD have been around as long as humanity. This illness is defined as: “a mental disorder of children appearing before the age of 7 and involving impaired or diminished 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. Change does not come from the actions of people with these differences, but rather from the perception of society as a whole and whether this behavior is acceptable or not. A child accompanied by erratic behavior is considered a problem and the assumption is sometimes made...... middle of paper ...... films were not available and this gives most of the People have an open mind about taking medications, but one must be extremely careful when dealing with something as powerful as certain medications. The main goal is to prepare future generations for success and to make it clear to children when it is necessary to take medication and when it is not. Doing the right thing starts with today's leaders. Works Cited Breggin, Peter R. Talking Back To Ritalin. Ed. revised. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing, 2001. 5, 6, 64. Print. Haber, Julian S. The Great ADHD Misdiagnosis. Dallas, TX: 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 of What to Do. Pickering, Ontario, Canada: Beaverbooks, 1980. 17, 61. Print.