Thank you Phil for sharing. I’m glad that, considering your ADHD diagnosis, not only were you mindful of what it did to you, but you had the gumption to take the right measured actions that helped contribute to your great success. That’s awesome — sounds like you had a great academic and successful high school experience.

You, although, lost me when you said, “in most cases.”

I’m sorry, but there is where my mathematician-self steps in. (Most implies — over 50%). Anytime, anyone generalizes or uses words like “most, none, all” — I wince.

Are you stating that most cases where young people are diagnosed with ADHD — they are being prescribed an unnecessary medication?

You exemplify exactly the point I made to George — just a few words “pumped into our sons” — only perpetuates this belief that parents and doctors are just carelessly administering this strong medications without any careful thought or reflection.

I can’t describe to you the numerous conversations I had with so many others moms whose children have ADHD. Each mother takes a hard-look as to whether it’s the right choice. Long discussions are had with doctors. Some parents choose to NOT medicate. Doctors have us fill out long questionnaires; every few months (not any longer than 6) follow-up visits are scheduled along with close watch to eating and sleeping patterns. ADHD medication are no different to others in that doctors and patients make necessary adjustments to dosage, brand depending on side-effects.

Could you please take a close look at the following:

“Estimates suggest that around 2.5% to 5% of the adult population has ADHD. Some research also suggests that these rates appear to be increasing. While fairly common, it is frequently undiagnosed and untreated, with less than 20% of adults with the condition receiving an appropriate diagnosis and treatment." (source: Johnson J, Morris S, George S. Misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. BJPsych Advances. 2020;27(1). doi:10.1192/bja.2020.34)

(That’s a source from 2 years ago)

So when George implies through said chosen words — and you then follow-up and state: MOST cases — resemble your own. That statement is wrong and misleading.

ADHD is frequently undiagnosed and untreated.

I’ve researched and have been reading about ADHD for a very long time. I’m open to new data and learning about it. But there are FAR too many stigmas related to people taking medications for ADHD — and they battle letting others know, for the fear of receiving criticism that it’s unnecessary or such medication is a “crutch.”

Thanks Phil for sharing. As you may have noticed, I’m a mother-bear to anyone with ADHD. Not only did I witness/battle/care-for undiagnosed ADHD in my classroom for over 15 years, I’ve watched it manifest itself in my son in a myriad of ways. The medication has been a life-saver. And believe me — I wish he didn’t have to take it. I wish and hope maybe one day he won’t need it? I still battle and have my own questions….

Thanks for reading. Have a good one!