ADHD is a problem that affects millions of adolescents worldwide. In the United States, the common solution to this problem in students is to provide them with some sort of medication, such as Ritalin. However, recent studies have shown that ADHD drugs may have little to no effect on the school performance of troubled teens. Mt. Pleasant Academy is a residential treatment center that can effectively help troubled teens with ADHD/ADD and academic problems. For more information about our program, please call a Family Advocate today at 866-439-8110.
The Link Between ADD/ADHD Drugs and Academics in Troubled Teens
Prescription drugs like Ritalin or Adderall are sometimes called cognitive enhancers, due to the fact that they work by increasing the user’s concentration and memorization capabilities. The thought is that, due to these effects, students taking these drugs should naturally do better in school than those with ADHD who are not on medication. Over the years, research has shown that these drugs actually do very little to boost academic achievement. It’s also possible that, for some students, the side effects of these drugs outweigh the benefits.
Studies now show that medication alone is not the solution to nullifying the hindering effects of ADD/ADHD on the grades of troubled teens. Medication is not a replacement for unmotivated teenagers. Though these types of drugs can improve focus and concentration in troubled teens, they do very little with helping students decide what to focus on. Therefore, support and guidance to do well in school from parents and educators is still necessary. Your students need your help more than ever. Talk to doctors about the methods available to treat troubled teens with ADD/ADHD.
