How many children's lives are ruined each year by this BS diagnosis of "ADD" ?

Question

The kid is being a kid. And they get labelled and drugged for LIFE.

Answer 1

Although ADHD is "over-diagnosed" the label and the medication is a lifesaver to many other children. ADHD is not a made up affliction. It is truly a handicapping condition to millions of people and I am very thankful that there is help available for my son. Without his medication, he would not be able to function in society and would not have any friends.
It is up to the PARENTS to make sure their child is not diagnosed improperly. If you feel your child does not need medication, seek a second or third opinion. Try behavior therapy instead or maybe biofeedback.
Maybe your child just needs an extra year of elementary school because he is immature.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I don't think it is the diagnosis that harms the kids... I think it is the misguided actions that ensue AFTER the diagnosis is made...

If you go into a CMA meeting (Crystal Meth Anonymous) and ask for a show of hands as to how many of the members were prescribed Ritalin at some point - the results are astounding.

I was diagnosed ADD in the early 90's and given Ritalin... it made me absolutely insane after the first year...
It was later revealed that Ritalin was only effective in dealing with ADHD (hyperactive disorder) and even then it had complications.

I think America just needs to get off the drugs in general... you can call it what you like but the fact is - I'm just forgetful - it's part of my personality that I have learned to compensate for over the years (without the aid of medication, thank you).

I have "eccentric" ways of learning, understanding, and remembering things... These ways of learning are not permitted in our narrow minded school system and I think that needs to change.

Teachers need to be a little more creative in how they "reach" their students... and the government needs to understand that they place WAY too much importance on test taking - resulting in a bunch of kids that only learn which bubble to fill in and nothing about the subject they are studying. Most kids can learn that (c) is the right answer but they couldn't tell you why... and neither could the teachers... it's kind of like warfare against the smart kids... punishing them for having open minds.

Sometimes a hands-on demo, or a field trip, or a powerpoint lecture would be more suitable than a scan-tron test....
If teachers and school boards could just think outside the box, we would need fewer medications and diagnoses for the kids who are actually AMAZINGLY smart and just need to learn differently.

Answer 3

For the kids who do not have it, and they are forced medication, it is sad. However, I have been diagnosed, TWICE by two DIFFERENT specialists at two different ages. Once at 9, once at 17. I got the same results, with two different testing procedures as well. I have ADD. ADD affects not only my attention span, but my level of concentration, my organization, listening skills, frustration level, time management, social skills, anxiety, shy, memory, trouble sleeping. It is NOT Bullsh*t.

It is caused by genetics. The food we eat does help, however, I was on an organic diet til I was 6, and never had fast food or things like that until I was 8. I also never watched TV more than 7 hours a week until I was 14. So ,TV, the food I ate and such DID NOT cause mine. It is genetics.

Answer 4

I was diagnosed as hyperactive, because there was no such thing as ADD when I was a child. After two weeks on Ritalin, my parents took me off of it as it said they it made me look and act like "the walking dead." To this day they feel guilty that this short duration on those drugs caused many behavioral problems. Based on studies in Scientific American, my parents are right. Taking drugs for ADD, even in small amounts, ultimately will have lasting damage that creates negative behaviors in many children.
The quacks of medicine would rather make a quick buck than actually telling people there is no cure for this condition. It is what it is. Can you imagine the medical and pharmaceutical industries admitting as such...neither can I.

Answer 5

I was diagnosed with it at 12, and placed on an ungodly amoung of drugs. Ritalin, Haloperidol, Chlonodine, Zoloft... I decided when I was 16 that I refused to be abnormal and that I would just have to learn how to control myself. I quit all my drugs cold turkey and went thru hell on the detox. I had some problems after that, but I kept coming back to my determination to be normal.

I think that much of it is complete BS. Kids just needs to learn how to control themselves. If it's necessary to do things a bit slower, then that's fine, let them do it slower! But kids shouldn't be drugged for doing what normal kids do.

Now, the military won't take you if you were diagnosed with it at any point in your childhood. This destroys the dreams of many boys and girls who want to join....

Answer 6

ADD wouldn't exist if toxic foods didn't either. Most kids consume a diet heavy in chemicals, pesticides, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and boatloads of sugar, meats , milk and poultry that are loaded with growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics and other nasties. I healed my son by changing his diet to an organic, whole grain vegetarian diet. Once his food habits changed, so did his personality. He is now a thriving, 24 year old young man.

Answer 7

I'm concerned, and I don't think I'm alone, that ADD just means poor behavior. And since we can't discipline children any longer, we drug them.

Answer 8

its crazy shi* and drugs don't help it makes them lethargic and unlike a child i say no drugs for kids