Last year, my grand daughter became the subject of the Ritalin discussion when her teacher couldn't keep up with her desire to learn. I'm pleased to report the family doctor told the teacher to go do something only theoretically possible for earthworms
Great to hear Lone Wolf,
Sadly teachers are overwhelmed with high class volumes and cut costs...
Many teachers are "diagnosing" students like your grandaughter, or ones that dont sit still... They are suggesting drugs and too many doctors comply where parents are blind to the effects of these drugs so they fill the prescription and so the chemical warfare begins..
Your example is one where your son/or daughter listened to the teacher by the fact that they brought her to the doctors...
Im glad her doctor wasnt as easily sold...
(Teachers can insist on medicating a child ) type in ...teacher demand medication
The DSM-IV says 3 - 7 percent of all school aged children (including kindergarten) have ADD...... WOW!!!!
Look how easy it is too label a kid and start drugging him....
From the DSM-IV
Diagnostic Criteria for the three subtypes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder according to DSM-IV:
A. “Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at comparable level of development.” Individual must meet criteria for either (1) or (2):
(1) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activity
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
(g) often looses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms must have been present before age 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in at least two settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic or occupational functioning.
E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorders and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
Prevalence
• Estimated 3%-7% in school –age children
DSM-IV Definition
Related Articles
Statement from Health Canada on ADHD drugs
Adverse
Reaction Report No. 324764
Submitted by: Health Professional
Date: 2009
Location: Canada
Patient: Male
Age: 15 years old
Suspect Drug:
Strattera
Side Effect:
Completed Suicide
This is just one of nearly 600 cases of Canadian kids suffering serious, sometimes fatal side effects suspected to have been caused by ADHD medications in the past 10 years.
ADHD drugs suspected of hurting Canadian kids - thestar.com
