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Tuesday, November, 24, 2009
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Older Children Being Diagnosed with ADHD More Frequently

Eileen Bailey
Eileen Bailey
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Eileen Bailey began her quest for information on ADHD fourteen years...

Eileen Bailey

Monday, August 04, 2008
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Last week, a report was released showing that older children (over the age of 12) were being diagnosed with ADHD more frequently than previously. The rate of diagnosis for children under the age of 12 remained the same. For children ages 6 through 11, the rate of diagnosis was around 7 percent. Howev...
  1. Ten Percent?
    Winifred
    Tuesday, August 05, 2008 at 12:14 AM

    Hey Eileen,

     

    This is concerning. I'd like to read the report if it's available online.

     

    I'm all for adolescents who have ADHD getting appropriate treatment, but ten percent? Something's wrong...

     

    Children and adolescents are exposed to so much marketing on a daily basis. With each passing year, I am less tolerant of it, and sadly, our youth are increasingly desensitized to it. 

     

    Recently, I went to see a movie at our local movie theater. I was totally unprepared for the intensity of the previews. They were loud, emotional, and fast paced. I literally hugged my purse in an effort to shield myself.

     

    Why so sensitive? A few years ago, our family stopped watching TV in favor of movies and documentaries on DVD's and quality programing, mostly through radio. 

     

    We listen to local radio programs that discuss relevant local and national issues, National Public Radio, and, admittedly, a program called Coast to Coast late at night for thought provoking entertainment.

     

    As a result, I find watching most of what's on TV and listening to some of what's on radio increasingly difficult. You see I'm no longer desensitized. When I hear a media message, I listen to it, and I don't like what I'm hearing. Most of it is...marketing for products that I often don't need...or want. 

     

    I wish every family in America would limit their daily exposure to media. Even my favorite scrapbooking magazine has changed. A few years ago, they featured scrapbook pages from their staff and subscribers that offered precious glimpses into their lives. Today, it's more about products.     

     

    While it's true, every generation has those who look to media, entertainment, fashion, trends, and [enter your addiction of choice here] for satisfying experiences, I think this generation has more access to extreme experiences than any generation before it. 

     

    I have to wonder, can they handle it? If not, how are they coping? I hope they're not looking to drugs - (recreational or prescribed) - to solve their problems. Medication, when it works, is helpful, but it in itself is not enough.  

     

    Winnie, an adult ADD advocate (who wants for anyone struggling with the day-to-day challenges of living with ADD to have access to quality treatment that includes a proper evaluation, accurate diagnosis, information that informs and empowers, proper monitoring and adjusting of medication, counseling, coaching, and skills training so they too can make valuable contributions to the greater community).

    Reply
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