03Lightningrocks wrote:...The biggest problem with the ADHD diagnosis is that there is no blood test or brain scan that determines the illness. It is a purely subjective diagnosis, based on opinions from teachers of the child. While I agree that there are some children with this issue that can be helped with drugs, I just cannot believe it is ten percent of our children....
Once again, wrong.
That's not subjective. That is empirically observable objective criteria.Diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must meet the criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association. For a diagnosis of ADHD, a child must have six or more signs and symptoms from one of the two categories below (or, six or more signs and symptoms from each of the two categories).
Inattention
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork and other activities
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (for example, toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
Is often easily distracted
Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
Often talks excessively
Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Often has difficulty awaiting turn
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games)
In addition to having at least six signs or symptoms from one of the two categories, a child with ADHD:
Has inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive signs and symptoms that caused impairment and were present before age 7
Has behaviors that aren't normal for children the same age who don't have ADHD
Has symptoms for at least six months
Has symptoms that affect school, home life or relationships in more than one setting (such as at home and at school)
A child diagnosed with ADHD is often given a more specific diagnosis, such as:
Predominantly inattentive-type ADHD — a child has at least six signs and symptoms from the inattention list above.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive-type ADHD — a child has at least six signs and symptoms from the hyperactivity and impulsivity list above.
Combined type ADHD — a child has six or more signs and symptoms from each of the two lists above.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/D ... -diagnosis" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.adhd.org.nz/neuro1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.google.com/search?q=adhd+cat ... 24&bih=638" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I can use Google, too.
That is pretty bad.
This is as close to a raise my hand smiley as there was.