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ADHD article in SALON

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A recent article in Salon makes a good read and incisive point on ADHD. (read more here: http://www.salon.com/2014/03/01/the_truth_about_adhd_over_diagnosis_linked_to_cause_championed_by_michelle_rhee/)

ADHD diagnosis has increased over 40% in the last decade. The CDC now estimates that 12 percent of school age kids, and as many as 20% of teenage boys have been diagnosed with ADHD.

A new book, “The ADHD Explosion, by Stephen Hinshaw and Richard Scheffler points out that based on the most recent survey, from 2011, a child in Kentucky is three times as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as a child in Nevada. And a child in Louisiana is five times as likely to take medication for ADHD as a child in Nevada.

TOP 5 STATES

The five states that have the highest rate of diagnoses — Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Indiana and North Carolina.

BOTTOM 5 STATES

Nevada, New Jersey, Colorado, Utah and California

BOOK’S SURPRISING FIND

What the team found was that high rates of ADHD diagnoses correlated closely with state laws that penalize schools when students fail.

TAKEAWAY:

Don’t be quick to label. Understand the subtle social pressure that may be influencing you. Seek alternatives before you put your child on brain altering drugs.

Author: TxNaturalPediatrics

By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives. In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.

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