Adderall Over Diagnosis in American Children
Evan Henderson
Elizabeth Stetler
March 1, 2014
English Composition
Americanized Epidemic
As science and medicine become more advanced, more and more human behaviors are becoming medically defined. Humans are becoming dependent on drugs in order to live a normal life. Possibly the most severe occurrence of this idea is in the diagnosis of ADHD in American children. ADHD did not exist in the 1950’s, but by 2006, about eight to ten million children in America were diagnosed (Stolzer 109). This dramatic increase has caused many to question the ethics behind the diagnosis, and treatment, of ADHD in our children. Why is this issue so prevalent in 21st century America, and are these stimulants used to treat ADHD even safe? There is no question that symptoms matching those of ADHD are becoming more common in America’s children, however, the disorder is still being over-diagnosed. Before delving into the issue at hand, we first must establish what ADHD is, and where it is defined. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be defines as an on going pattern of inattention and hyperactive behavior, according to the ADHD Awareness Month website. This definition can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This book provides a list of symptoms and guidelines for the proper diagnosis for ADHD (ADHD Awareness Month 1). A few of the prime symptoms of the disorder include: fidgeting with hands or squirming in seat, difficulty engaging in activities quietly, and blurting out answers before questions are finished. One thing all of these symptoms have in common is that they are extremely subjective. The symptoms of ADHD are too subjective to accurately diagnose children as fast as doctors are. While reading through the symptoms, one can easily tell that many of them are discipline and maturity based. A child fidgets in his or her chair; does this mean they have ADHD, or a lot of extra energy? A young student blurts out the answer
Elizabeth Stetler
March 1, 2014
English Composition
Americanized Epidemic
As science and medicine become more advanced, more and more human behaviors are becoming medically defined. Humans are becoming dependent on drugs in order to live a normal life. Possibly the most severe occurrence of this idea is in the diagnosis of ADHD in American children. ADHD did not exist in the 1950’s, but by 2006, about eight to ten million children in America were diagnosed (Stolzer 109). This dramatic increase has caused many to question the ethics behind the diagnosis, and treatment, of ADHD in our children. Why is this issue so prevalent in 21st century America, and are these stimulants used to treat ADHD even safe? There is no question that symptoms matching those of ADHD are becoming more common in America’s children, however, the disorder is still being over-diagnosed. Before delving into the issue at hand, we first must establish what ADHD is, and where it is defined. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be defines as an on going pattern of inattention and hyperactive behavior, according to the ADHD Awareness Month website. This definition can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This book provides a list of symptoms and guidelines for the proper diagnosis for ADHD (ADHD Awareness Month 1). A few of the prime symptoms of the disorder include: fidgeting with hands or squirming in seat, difficulty engaging in activities quietly, and blurting out answers before questions are finished. One thing all of these symptoms have in common is that they are extremely subjective. The symptoms of ADHD are too subjective to accurately diagnose children as fast as doctors are. While reading through the symptoms, one can easily tell that many of them are discipline and maturity based. A child fidgets in his or her chair; does this mean they have ADHD, or a lot of extra energy? A young student blurts out the answer