Puzzle Description:

Attention Defecit Disorder (like ADHD minus the hyperactivity). It's not just for kids!

#1: Adam Nielson (monkeyboy) on Jan 15, 2009 [SPOILER]

As a health care professional, let me tell you this...
ADD and ADHD are very much overdiagnosed (especially in children). Usually it comes as a result of a parent being tired of dealing with a "normal" child who happens curious, inquisitive and doesn't always focus. What kid isn't that way? Lots of parents just want their kids on meds to "calm them down" so they don't have to have the responsibility of raising children. How sad. Granted, not all cases are this way, but far too many are.

Adam - I think that depends on in which country you live. Here, I'd say far too few gets the diagnosis, esp concerning ADD in adults.

I will agree with you, since I have no basis for other countries. I can only comment for the U.S.

But when the diagnosis is correct, the meds can literally be a life saver.

No doubt about that.

the U.S. want to medicate everyone for everything.
Mask the problem don't solve it!!

I hope other countries are better :-)

I just want to say that all that talk about cutting away the medication is crazy. Try living with it! My life has gotten considerably better after getting Ritalin. And as for what you said, Adam: There is a BIG difference between normal kid behavior and ADD or ADHD. Kids and adults who has this and that doesn't get help live lives of loneliness, misunderstanding and a very deep feeling of living in a bubble. Medicating ADHD/ADD-children are not "calming them down", it's HELPING them!

Sorry if I seem a bit touchy, but just thinking about kids out there hurting because their parents want them to "live free"...

I wasn't trying to be rude. I was making a point about how it is often overdiagnosed and overtreated. I didn't say that it doesn't help those who truly need it. There are plenty of people who fall into that category. But there are unfortunately many people treated for those conditions who don't need to be.

Alright, I'm sorry I overreacted... I understand what you meant now. There are just a lot of people out there that think that ADD/ADHD kids are living the way kids are "supposed to" live and that parents who give them medication are trying to "force them into the rules of our society"... Again - I shouldn't have put that on you... :)

No problem. I understand your concern and frustration.

Hope you're doing fine Sofia.

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