Question about using Ritalin

  Hi, I wanted to know how appropiate it is to medicate a child with attention deficit disorder (non hyper) with Ritalin.  I believe that Ritalin is recommended to ADHD children because it helps to control de hyperactivity but I don't know what benefits does it have with ADD children.
Dear Yanira Figueroa:
Yes, ritalin is used for both disorders.  Ritalin helps a child focus.  The lack of being able to focus on a topic or situation is common to both ADD and ADHD.  Ritalin, in a sense does not treat hyperactivity, but the inattention.  ADD is a common disorder that should be helped by ritalin.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS