Discussion 1
Prevalence rates for ADHD in children and adolescents have increased exponentially in the recent two decades. In parallel, prescriptions for stimulant medications have become commonplace. What are some possible reasons for the increase in diagnosis? What might some of the negative effects of the increased use of stimulants be, including on both the individual and societal levels? Be sure to address effects of stimulants on the brain. When responding to your peers, think about how stimulants may or may not have affected students in your classes while you were growing up.
Discussion 2
Describe the development of the frontal lobes. Review the executive functioning skills and tie them to frontal lobe development. How might the development of the frontal lobes explain poor judgment, erratic behaviors, and impulsive actions seen in adolescents?
Sources for discussion 2 (Attached):
Best, J. R., & Miller, P. H. (2010). A Developmental Perspective on Executive Function. Child Development, 81(6), 1641–1660. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01499.x
Rose, S. A., Feldman, J. F., & Jankowski, J. J. (2011). Modeling a cascade of effects: the role of speed and executive functioning in preterm/full-term differences in academic achievement. Developmental Science, 14(5), 1161-1175. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7687.2011.01068.x
