Posted by tris on May 6, 2011, 3:21 pm, in reply to "Re: ADD"
It is my belief that ADD is the most over diagnosed disorder on the planet. Most of the symptoms of ADD can be attributed to a bad diet, board child (aka, ineffective teacher), or any other of list things.
Agreed 100%. I was 18 years old and having depression problems, and I was diagnosed with depression plus ADHD. Thankfully I wasn't medicated for that aspect, because what I actually had was anxiety. But there began a long roller coaster of misdiagnosis and overmedication that lasted for 3 years. No fun.
When it comes to kids, medication should be a last resort, for many reasons. Everyone is medicated for something these days, it seems. Billy punched his brother, he must have aggression issues (so lets put him on medication). Jimmy doesn't like school and doesn't concentrate in class (so lets put him on medication). Susie is shy and withdrawn (so lets put her on medication).
Furthermore, the disorders seem to be taking the place of personal responsibility and become an easy escape. Maybe Billy does have an aggression issue, but maybe Billy also needs some more discipline, needs to be taught how to deal with his anger and some positive ways to use pent up energy. But if parents just throw up their hands and say "Well he's got this disorder" and use it as an excuse, the kids will see that and do it too (and take advantage).
on May 6, 2011, 3:21 pm, in reply to "