The diagnostic criteria for ADHD could be well termed: “Things that children do that annoy adults.”

[SteveG]

Or maybe they are just normal kids who are chained to desks in school for FAR longer than we ever were?

Better article in the NY Times, but this one's free... http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/04/01...ractivity/



"Sales of stimulants to treat A.D.H.D. have more than doubled to $9 billion in 2012 from $4 billion in 2007, according to the health care information company IMS Health. "

[the_poochies]

[cbelt3]

G, there IS an actual measured test that evaluates ADHD. I've taken it. It's fascinating. I could watch the measurements and see how my attention span was disappearing.

In short... you do a boring, timed task and see how long it takes for you to fall off task.

In reality, this 'condition' is not a 'disorder'. It's more of an evolutionary legacy of hyperawareness that allows homo sapiens with my genetic makeup to sense the stalking sabertoothed tiger that much faster. Thus allowing us to survive and reproduce. :booty:

However.. in the US intellectual sausage factory teachers don't have the time to deal with students who are polyfocal. So we get drugged.

[Dennis S]

I used to get allergy shots and sit in the doctors waiting room most of the day while people were rotated in and out getting doses of suspected allergens and then the antidote. Anyone who has done that can clearly see that at least in some cases, it's a case of reactions to stuff they are eating or breathing.

[Pops]

There is no single test that can be used to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. ADHD is diagnosed after a person has shown some or all of symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than six months. In addition, symptoms must be present in more than one setting. Depending on the number and type of symptoms, a person will be diagnosed with one of three subtypes of ADHD: Primarily Inattentive, Primarily Hyperactive or Combined subtype. wrote:

This has been around for a long time, but is still relevant.

[davester]

cbelt3 wrote: In reality, this 'condition' is not a 'disorder'. It's more of an evolutionary legacy of hyperawareness that allows homo sapiens with my genetic makeup to sense the stalking sabertoothed tiger that much faster. Thus allowing us to survive and reproduce.

Horseshit! Just because a condition is overdiagnosed does not mean that it does not exist. You and Steve G are just confused regarding what the increasing rates of diagnosis mean.

[RgrF]

Like the ability to forecast climate change, the tools necessary to determine ADD or ADHD have evolved to a point of accuracy when done by professionals. That doctors prescribe meds to kids who haven't been properly tested doesn't invalidate that such conditions exist and can and ought to be treated.

[SteveG]

Never said it didn't exist. Mass diagnosis turning the youth population into speed zombies is the issue.

[Pops]

I agree with both Roger and Steve. It is the OVER-diagnosis that is disturbing.