University of Phoenix Material – Week 6
Heather Whitlock
Critical Issue Analysis
After reading the selected critical issue, use the following questions to analyze the issue.
What are at least two facts presented by each side of the critical issue?
“A report in 2000 in the Journal of Child Neurology describes the case of an eight-year-old boy who developed vasculitis and stroke after taking Ritalin for one and one-half years for hyperactivity” (Halgin, 2009).
“AMPHETAMINES HAVE A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. ADMINISTRATION OF AMPHETAMINES FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME MAY LEAD TO DRUG DEPENDENCE AND MUST BE AVOIDED” (Halgin, 2009). NO:
“The stimulants, the drugs most commonly used, have been shown to be effective in improving behavior, academic work, and social adjustment in anywhere from 50% to 95% of children with ADHD” (Halgin, 2009).
“For approximately 30–15% of children with ADHD, their behavior will be significantly improved but not normalized by this medication” (Halgin, 2009).

What are at least two opinions presented by each side of the critical issue?
YES:
“Like amphetamines, stimulants have a high potential for abuse and can cause potentially serious withdrawal symptoms” (Halgin, 2009).
”The growth of many children is suppressed or even stunted by stimulants” (Halgin, 2009). NO:
“There are no reported cases of addiction or serious drug dependence on these medications; nor does research support the notion that children taking these drugs are at greater risk of abusing other substances during their teenage years” (Halgin, 2009). “It is a myth to suggest that stimulant medications stunt children’s growth; recent studies have shown that this is not as much of a problem as once thought” (Halgin, 2009).
What are some of the strengths associated with the Pro side of the issue? What are some of the weaknesses?
A strength of the Pro side is the warnings of side effects presented by the manufacturers. While many medications have these same side effects, the Pro side is trying to prove that every child that takes a stimulate medication will develop these.
A weakness of the Pro side is that not all children will react the same way on medications. While one child may take 10 mg of Ritalin and be calm, cool, and collected, another may take the same dosage and become hostile. With any medication it is the person’s body that reacts to it. Not necessarily the drug.

What are some of the strengths associated with the Con side of the issue? What are some of the weaknesses?
A strength of the Con side is just as the weakness with the Pro side. Not all children will react the same way. Studies shown percentages of how some children have showed improvement while taking stimulant medications.
One weakness of