Marilyn Wedge, author of A Disease Called Childhood: Why ADHD Became an American Epidemic, recounts her experience with a seven year old patient diagnosed with ADHD and discusses the parents’ decision about using Adderall and other psychogenic medications on young kids.
“Not only are so many people too quick to medicate hyperactive kids, they have by and large accepted drugs as the preferred treatment of this so-called disorder without considering the side effects. There are medical side effects such as insomnia, decreased appetite, and heart problems, but there are also effects on the child’s personality.”
“These drugs enhance a child’s ability to focus in the classroom and help him keep pace in competitive schools and in a competitive society. But in giving children ADHD drugs are we also reshaping their personalities and asking them to give up something basic to their authentic selves?”
http://time.com/3822755/adhd-disease-called-childhood/
“Not only are so many people too quick to medicate hyperactive kids, they have by and large accepted drugs as the preferred treatment of this so-called disorder without considering the side effects. There are medical side effects such as insomnia, decreased appetite, and heart problems, but there are also effects on the child’s personality.”
“These drugs enhance a child’s ability to focus in the classroom and help him keep pace in competitive schools and in a competitive society. But in giving children ADHD drugs are we also reshaping their personalities and asking them to give up something basic to their authentic selves?”
http://time.com/3822755/adhd-disease-called-childhood/
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