Initiating Questions:

1. What is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

2. How is ADHD diagnosed?

3. What are medication side effects?

4. How do you make decisions about what kinds of medicines to take?

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is a "black box" label?

2. What is the FDA?

3. Why did the FDA assemble an advisory panel?

4. What did the panel recommend?

5. How many Americans have ADHD?

6. What are the symptoms of ADHD?

7. How many people with ADHD take stimulants and how do they help?

8. What are some of the risks associated with taking ADHD drugs?

9. How many prescriptions of ADHD medications are filled each month?

10. How do the prescription rates for ADHD vary across the country?

11. Why do the prescription rates vary?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. What does the article say about why prescription rates for ADHD medicines vary so widely by community? Do you think your school would have a high or low rate? Why?

2. How are medications regulated in the United States? Is this a good system? How does it compare to other countries?

3. What symptoms should someone taking ADHD medications report to their doctor?

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.