Maggie Bouffard

The Frontline episode that I watched was called "Medicating Kids." This episode followed the stories of four kids who have been prescribed different medications for Attention Deficit Disorder. There is a lot of controversy as to whether or not kids should be given medicine especially when some of the medications can lead to, or increase signs of depression. One of the stories follows a boy named Alex. Like most kids with this disorder, he had an extremely difficult time in school. He was made fun of by other kids and became extremely depressed and suicidal. The doctors had to go through many different treatments to decide what would be right for him. They tried increasing and decrease his doses of medication. Finally, the doctors put him on Aderol. Alex and his family were satisfied with the results from the medication. Other stories included Robin. Who was a troubled teen and got into a lot of bad things during his teenage years, such as drugs and alcohol. Robin was also put on medication and endured therapy for his ADD and ADHD. The medication had some negative effects but for the most part it made him happier. There are risks that come with medications but overall it seems to have a positive effect on kids with ADD and ADHD.