Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderIntroductionExperts have different views on attention deficit disorder, also known as attention deficit disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as it relates to diagnosis, medications, and dependence in children resulting from stimulant use. Minors receiving treatment to prevent ADHD have been increasing over the past 30 years in the United States. ADHD diagnosis varies, with some states having a high percentage of diagnoses. The production of stimulants such as Ritalin for the treatment of ADHD is increasing, with scientists explaining that it is recommended for treatment. According to Schwarz and Cohen (2013), approximately 11% of children take medication. The authors pointed out that one in five high school students received medical treatment for ADHD. The above-mentioned prevalence rates of ADHD in children and the increase in medication have caused doctors to worry that overdiagnosis and overmedication have become common among American children. Prescribing certain stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall to children to improve their illness-damaged lives has led to anxiety, addiction and psychosis. Experts believe that long-term use of stimulants such as Ritalin leads to physical dependence. It is also clear that long-term users and abusers of Ritalin lead to addiction. Schwarz and Cohen (2013) show that almost 6.4 million children aged 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime. Reports over the past two decades show a 41% increase in ADHD diagnoses. Additionally, there has been a 16% increase in diagnoses of this disease among children since 2007. According to Lavender (2013), North Carolina has the highest number of children diagnosed with...... middle of paper .... ...DHD. Psychiatric Times, 2011. Vol. 28.8:14-18. Print.Hope Jenny, “ADHD diagnosis may have become too broad, prompting 'unnecessary and harmful' treatment for children, study warns. Mail online November 6, 2013. Print.Lavender Chris. “ADHD: Are School Children Overdiagnosed? » The Times News April 6, 2013. Print Nakamura, K. Richard. “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Are Children Overmedicated?” » National Institute of Mental Health. 2002. Internet. May 2, 2014.Schwarz Alan and Sarah Cohen. “More ADHD Diagnoses Raising Concern.” The New York Times March 31, 2013. Print. Washington University School of Medicine. “Nearly half of children with ADHD go untreated, study finds.” Daily Science. August 6, 2006. Print.White Lois, Duncan Gena and Wendy Baumle. Foundations of Adult Health Nursing, 2010. New York: Cengage Learning, Print.