ENG 105 Topic 7 DQ 2

ENG 105 Topic 7 DQ 2 It is important to distinguish between your perspective and other perspectives regarding your commentary topic. What are some of the other perspectives you see? Summarize them briefly. Next, summarize your own perspective. In what ways does your perspective differ from other perspectives? Why is your perspective different? A few of the other perspectives I am seeing regarding my commentary topic of the abuse/misuse of ADHD medications by college students are; 1) the perception that the reason college students take these medications even though they may not have ADHD is to stay awake and study because they are too stressed, 2) the perception that ADHD medications make a person smarter, and 3) the perception that ADHD medications are always harmful. My perspective on the misuse of ADHD medications is, that yes, these medications can be detrimental when taken inappropriately, that is, by those without a diagnosis of ADHD or excessive use by those who have ADHD. I also firmly believe that these medications do not enable a person with or without ADHD to increase their cognitive abilities. I do agree, these medications will make you stay awake and help one focus their attention. This is much needed in a person with ADHD and will help their academic performance because prior to the medication, a person with ADHD could not remain focused on the tasks they needed to accomplish. However, in a person without ADHD the medications merely allow them to stay awake and focus on their studies but cannot help the person suddenly learn many weeks-worth of material. I think my perspective is different due to experience. I am old enough to remember when ADD and ADHD came into the mainstream. I have seen the evolution of diagnosis and treatments and watched many children, parents, teachers and healthcare professionals struggle with the stigma and treatments of ADD/ADHD. While many are quick to comment that they would never put their child on medication due to the side effects, unless you have that child with ADHD and have struggled to care for the child, your other children, maintain a job and a home, you do not know what you will do until a terminal or long-term diagnosis of any kind affects your family. Sometimes medication is necessary.