04-04-2009, 09:08 AM
None of the above comments address the real problem of ADD and ADHD. The fact that it wasn't identified or diagnosed 15, 25 or 50 years ago doesn't mean it wasn't real. It did exist back then but just went undiagnosed and untreated.
What we are seeing today is an overreaction to an overreaction. Far more parents than should have evaded the trials and tribulations of parenting by finding accommodating doctors who would agree to drug their kids and American medicine being what it is today they had no problem providing the requisite quacks to sign off on the 'scripts.
That doesn't address those kids who really suffer from ADD and ADHD. Those who for decades were shunted aside and never had a chance at treatment because treatment didn't exist. Throw the baby out with the bathwater if you are so inclined but remember this - if you allow your anger at irresponsible parents and doctors to decide this issue for you, you'll also be throwing out a bunch of deserving and afflicted children who are actually being helped by psychotropic medications and an appropriate learning/home/medical environment.
What we are seeing today is an overreaction to an overreaction. Far more parents than should have evaded the trials and tribulations of parenting by finding accommodating doctors who would agree to drug their kids and American medicine being what it is today they had no problem providing the requisite quacks to sign off on the 'scripts.
That doesn't address those kids who really suffer from ADD and ADHD. Those who for decades were shunted aside and never had a chance at treatment because treatment didn't exist. Throw the baby out with the bathwater if you are so inclined but remember this - if you allow your anger at irresponsible parents and doctors to decide this issue for you, you'll also be throwing out a bunch of deserving and afflicted children who are actually being helped by psychotropic medications and an appropriate learning/home/medical environment.