New York Times Report: A.D.H.D. Seen in 11% of U.S. Children as Diagnoses Rise

Alarm bells are going off: 11 percent of school-age children over all have received a medical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to new data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About two-thirds of those with a current diagnosis receive prescriptions for stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, which can drastically improve the lives of those with A.D.H.D. but can also lead to addiction, anxiety and occasionally psychosis.

Dr. William Graf, a pediatric neurologist in New Haven and a professor at the Yale School of Medicine states, “Mild symptoms are being diagnosed so readily, which goes well beyond the disorder and beyond the zone of ambiguity to pure enhancement of children who are otherwise healthy.”

While some doctors and patient advocates have welcomed rising diagnosis rates as evidence that the disorder is being better recognized and accepted, others said the new rates suggest that millions of children may be taking medication merely to calm behavior or to do better in school. Pills that are shared with or sold to classmates — diversion long tolerated in college settings and gaining traction in high-achieving high schools — are particularly dangerous, doctors say, because of their health risks when abused.

The findings were part of a broader C.D.C. study of children’s health issues, taken from February 2011 to June 2012. The agency interviewed more than 76,000 parents nationwide by both cellphone and landline and is currently compiling its reports.

Read More:  ADHD Overdiagnosed

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Neurologists warn against prescribing ADHD drugs to kids as “study drugs”

The American Academy of Neurology is warning doctors around the country to stop prescribing ADHD medications to healthy children to give them a boost in their schoolwork.

“Doctors caring for children and teens have a professional obligation to always protect the best interests of the child, to protect vulnerable populations, and prevent the misuse of medication,” report author Dr. William Graf, a professor of pediatric neurology at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., said in a news release. “The practice of prescribing these drugs, called neuroenhancements, for healthy students is not justifiable.”

Medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most prescribed in the country. The disorder causes problems like overactivity, inattention, poor impulse control, and neutropenia.   Ariana-Leilani is being prescribed high doses and amounts of “concerta” for her non-existant ADHD, but makes Severe Neutropenia worse.

Yet is being denied Severe Neutropenia life-saving medicine “Neupogen”… Please sign her petition:

Read more:

• Link
• ADHS Medication Being Overprescribed

• Neurologists warn against prescribing ADHD drugs to kids as “study drugs” (cbsnews.com)
• Yale Doctor: Stop Prescribing Neuroenhancers To Healthy Kids (connecticut.cbslocal.com)
• Doctors Warn Against ADHD Stimulant Medications In Healthy Children (latinospost.com)

ADHD medications are being prescribed at epidemic rates, and leading to misuse, and fatal outcomes.

ADHD medications are being prescribed at epidemic rates, and leading to misuse, and fatal outcomes.

The New York Times reports that medications like Adderall can markedly improve the lives of children and others with the disorder. But the tunnel-like focus the medicines provide has led growing numbers of teenagers and young adults to fake symptoms to obtain steady prescriptions for highly addictive medications that carry serious psychological dangers. These efforts are facilitated by a segment of doctors who skip established diagnostic procedures, renew prescriptions reflexively and spend too little time with patients to accurately monitor side effects.

Richard Fee’s experience included it all. Conversations with friends and family members and a review of detailed medical records depict an intelligent and articulate young man lying to doctor after doctor, physicians issuing hasty diagnoses, and psychiatrists continuing to prescribe medication — even increasing dosages — despite evidence of his growing addiction and psychiatric breakdown.

Very few people who misuse stimulants devolve into psychotic or suicidal addicts. But even one of Richard’s own physicians, Dr. Charles Parker, characterized his case as a virtual textbook for ways that A.D.H.D. practices can fail patients, particularly young adults. “We have a significant travesty being done in this country with how the diagnosis is being made and the meds are being administered,” said Dr. Parker, a psychiatrist in Virginia Beach. “I think it’s an abnegation of trust. The public needs to say this is totally unacceptable and walk out.”

Read more:

 

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