Brain 101
Before you can understand how Ritalin works on the brain, first, learn some basic information.The brain is a complicated organ basically made up of four parts: the cerebrum, cerebellum, limbic system and brain stem. The cerebrum or "thinking brain" is responsible for the higher brain functions, and it also divided into four catagories of lobes: the front, parietal, occipital and temporal. The frontal lobe is commonly referred to as the "problem solving" area of the brain, while the parietal and occipital portions allow you to recognize objects and understand what it is that you see. The temporal lobe is the area responsible for speech. It is also the area of the brain that allows you to differentiate between various music or songs. Scientists often refer to the cerebellum as the "evolutionary" part of the brain. This simply means this area of the brain came about long before human beings walked the earth; all animals have a cerebellum. The limbic system consists of multiple parts as well. It is essentially the emotional center of the brain. This area is also often referred to as the "reward" center. The nonvoluntary parts of the body are controlled by the brain stem. This area controls vital functions such as breathing, and heart rate.
Ritalin and Reward
Many researchers believe Ritalin, or methylphenidate, has a serious affect on the reward or pleasure centers of the brain, much like cocaine. Both simultaneously increase a person's ability to concentrate and decrease the ability to understand what is going on around them. It is referred to as diminished "cognition." Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, plays a huge part in a person's ability to develop neurotransmitters. What this basically means is the body is always developing new paths so that cells, neurons and synapses can all talk to each other. Ritalin seriously reduces the ability to create these pathways; a patient might have a perpetual feeling of "wellness" even when a situation does not warrant such behavior.
Affects on Small Children
The affects of Ritalin on the brain of small children may be detrimental, as well. Given that Ritalin diminishes a person's ability to make neurons, or subsequent pathways for those neurons to travel, children may not be able to progress, physically or even emotionally. Current research suggests that Ritalin may also prevent a child's brain from developing on course. Biochemical effects of Ritalin on the brain suggest an increased risk of excessive protein development as evident in those with cocaine addictions. In some cases, excessive protein also inhibits a child's spine from developing normally. Certain proteins, or excessive amounts of these, adversely affect a child's genes, as well. After prolonged Ritalin use, some children manifest addictive-type physiology. The brain, brain chemistry and spine are all inexorably linked.
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