If So, What Does This Mean For Those Who Really Have The Condition?
"The number of preschool children being treated with medication for ADHD tripled between 1990 and 1995."
"The number of children ages 15 to 19 taking medication for ADHD has increased by 311 percent over 15 years."
"The use of medication to treat children between the ages of 5 and 14 also increased by approximately 170 percent."
Is an increase of this magnitude plausible? According to the American Pediatric Association such an increase in cases would be classified as an epidemic. However, because of the uncertain nature of the diagnostic procedure, it is hard to be certain of who actually has the disease.This fact, coupled with the wide abuse of ADD medication as "study drugs", has deprived ADD of the respect it deserves as a serious medical problem.
Is Add Real?
yup.
ADD is sometimes cast aside as a 'fake' disease most likely because, at times, we all suffer from moments of inattention and impulsiveness. However, for a person with ADD these symptoms are both persistent and chronic and often impede their general day-to-day functionality. Unfortunately, there is no simple medical litmus test when rendering a diagnosis, despite scientific proof that brain activity in a child with ADD is different from that of a child without the disease.It is never good to be labeled. Those with ADD, like those suffering from other illnesses, should know that they are never defined by their disease.
Abuse of ADD Medication
Reports:10 percent of high school students and 30 percent of college students use ADD medication to get through tough periods throghout the school year (Illegally)
Wired Magazine - "one fourth of our readers use ADD medication illegally"
The Reality:
A growing population of professionals and students are using ADD pills to gain an intellectual advantage.
The Danger:
Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are extremely addictive. They work by stimulating the nervous system and essentially low doses of "speed". These drugs also have a plethora of side effects.
Side Affects:
anorexia, headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, abdominal pain, heartburn, fever, urinary tract infection, asthenia, increased heart rate, increase in blood pressure, nausea
Also, 50 cases of sudden death have been associated with the use of these drugs.
Conclusion:
Some individuals really need this medication, but it is dangerous if abused.
Is ADD Over-Diagnosed?
What does this mean for our children?
Is ADD Over-Diagnosed?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, ADD is Over-Diagnosed!
Ramkitten says:
I'm not at all saying it isn't a legitimate diagnosis, but is it over-diagnosed? My guess would be yes, it is. It's just amazing to me how many people I know who either say they have or have a child who has ADD. In fact, I probably don't know ANYone who doesn't either have a family member or friend who doesn't have it (or say or think they do). I'm wondering if it has become a fall-back at times--an excuse--for something else.
Posted December 07, 2009
Dirwynlyc says:
Not only is it over diagnosed, it's a total scam. Big pharma makes BIG $$$ over selling drugs to worried parents. My son was diagnosed with it but I refused to let them drug my kid. He did poorly in school and had little patience with learning how to read until I gave him some comic books. He could concentrate on them for hours and he learned to read with them. ADD is not a disease, it's an accusation made by teachers who don't know how to get their students interested in their school work. If anyone thinks they have ADD, I ask you what are you truly interested in, and how much time, effort & concentration do you put into something you love to do? If you think about it, you'll probably see that you are quite capable of putting your attention into anything that actually interests you.
Posted June 11, 2009
Chadrew says:
I think so? I haven't ever heard of anyone with ADD in my country. Maybe we're just too backwards for such a modern disease.
Posted June 11, 2009
Soren says:
Yes, ADD is Over-Diagnosed! There are genuine cases of ADD, but just because a kid is being a kid and has the attnsion of a kid, does not mean they have ADD.
I know that some teachers suggest that kids be checked out for ADD because they are lousey teachers and keep the kids attention.
The drug companies love ADD because it means more money. Beacuse it is more money for them, they push what the definition is for ADD.
The government loves ADD because it means generations of over medicated mindless, brain dead zombies that they get to control.
Some parents like their kids on ADD drugs because they have no clue how to handle being a parent and have completely forgotten what it is like to be a kid.
Posted June 10, 2009
wolftyrs says:
My daughter is one who acts adhd at times and in certain situations (usually totally new environments that are over-stimulating to the senses). Controlling her diet does work. Being aware of her sensory load from the environment does work. She is homeschooled and does fine. But I can easily see how a different approach, and putting her in a school situation, would lead to medication - which I truly don't believe she needs. Particularly because she can focus, and focus very well, when she's interested and not over-stimulated.
I'm not advocating that some don't truly need meds - I accept at their word that diet control does not work for them or their child and they can't focus. But I do, definitely, agree it's over-used; particularly when a parent says their child is fine at home, just not at school - that seems to show that it's the environment, not the child, that's the problem.
Posted June 02, 2009
SimeyC says:
ADD has always been around - there were definately kids who were 'ADD' when I was a child; but it wasn't diagnosed and it wasn't a problem! You just made sure they were busy and they were fine! I personally feel that the medication used to control it is probably doing more damage!
Posted June 02, 2009
NotePromote says:
I couldn't agree more. My son has ADD, he has quite a time at school without medication because he is completely unable to focus. He realizes this, and gets very upset when he is trying so hard! I get very frustrated however, because many people abuse ADD drugs and inattentive parents put there kids on meds to solve bad behavior! This makes the general population (as well as my sons teacher) less respectful of the condition.
Posted May 29, 2009
FunGifts4All says:
I used to think that I would never put my child on pills for being "hyper". But, then I had a son with an extreme case of adhd. I tried the diets, the behavior techniques, they did not work without the pills. He is now 18 and still on the medication. He can see a big difference when he doesn't take his meds. While there are probably kids out there on the pills that don't really need them, there are kids that do. My son did not have bad behavior or poor listening skills, but had many of the other symptoms that go along with adhd. For those that are using add as a scapegoat, shame on them. They are giving kids that really have a problem a bad name. So, after saying all that, do I think that ADD is overdiagnosed? Yes, I do. But remember, it is a real issue for those that do have it.
Posted May 29, 2009
No way!
Does my child have ADD?
Some criteria that are used to figure it out.
It easy to see that these diagnostic ideas can easily produce improper diagnosis, as many children exhibit these traits, sometimes they are just apart of growing up.
- Child makes careless mistakes
- Child has difficulty focusing on homework or other tasks
- Child rarely completes one task before moving on to the next
- Even when spoken to directly, child seems to not be paying attention
- Child continues to be disorganized even after instruction from parents
- Child frequently loses things
- Child avoids activities that include prolonged concentration or mental effort
- Child frequently forgets to do things, even when constantly reminded
- Child is thrown of task even by the smallest distractions
Three Books That Shed Some Light
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD
Amazon Price: $10.07 (as of 12/31/2009) 
Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)
Amazon Price: $12.24 (as of 12/31/2009)
All About Attention Deficit Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Children and Adults
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/31/2009)
FDA WARNING
The FDA Black Box Warning:
High abuse/diversion potential: Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of subjects obtaining amphetamines for non-therapeutic use or distribution to others, and the drugs should be prescribed or dispensed sparingly.
Drug dependence: Administration of amphetmaines for prolonged periods of time may lead to drug dependence and must be avoided.
Serious Adverse Events: Misuse of amphetamines may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events
Feedback?
Let me know what you think.
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Reply
- Ramkitten Ramkitten Dec 7, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
- This is a tough subject, and you've handled it very well. Like I said above, I don't at all think ADD isn't a legitimate diagnosis ... for some. But I can't help but believe that it is often mis-diagnosed. Way too often I hear people say, "I think I have ADD," whether a doctor has given the diagnosis or not.
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Reply
- eftemofreedom eftemofreedom Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
- this is nice thank you for sharing this topic with us medication for ADD or ADHD aren't the answer to all the problems it's only imposes a small time effect for cure. the only big solution is the quality time with parents and a lot of hard patience will do. well if you had a time please visit the eft page and the eft training I hope this will help you a lot also.
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Reply
- AddaptAbilities AddaptAbilities Aug 31, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
- Nice! So many people weigh on on this issue by either denying that ADD exists or by claiming that there isn't a problem. My brain is wired such that stimulants actually help me sleep. As someone with ADD, it's great to see someone pointing out that over-diagnosis hurts everyone ... not to mention the frustration I feel when I hear of parents pressing for ADHD diagnoses so their kids get extra time on the SAT's.
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Reply
- FunGifts4All FunGifts4All Jun 2, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
- I like this version a lot better Nice work!!
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