ADHD appears to be yet another of these scams driven by drug sales.
ADHD is real - but is grossly overdiagnosed. There is even a clinical test for it, which is the method by which my doubts were assuaged.
Reducing carbohydrates and increasing the intake of protein are important in a holistic approach to overcoming a true case of ADHD. The dopaminergic system’s deficiencies cause carb cravings, while protein helps solve some of the problems with the system.
The available pharmacological aids are helpful when very tightly titrated, and coupled with “conditioning” therapy, where the affected child is taught to recognize when they are focusing effectively on their task. Using this method, the drugs become superfluous after a while, and can be discontinued once the child has learned to counter the effects of ADHD by focusing their concentration.
The drugs are heavily over-prescribed for kids who have been given a “behavioral diagnosis”, commonly by the recommendation of their teachers, with compliance to the recommendation by their doctor. 40mg of Ritalin is a HUGE dosage, but isn’t uncommon when the basis for “diagnosis” is a teacher’s observations of the child’s behavior.
The clinical test (which measures cortical slowing under a variety of conditions) has shown that as many as 50% of children given a “behavioral diagnosis” are misdiagnosed.
BTW - I am the father of 2 kids who were diagnosed, treated pharmaceutically and with feedback therapy, and no longer take any pharmaceuticals for ADHD. Their behavioral issues were eliminated as they gained control over their focus, and they greatly enhanced their ability to perform their school work. Neither has any special actions to take, outside of maintaining a healthy diet.
I recently began work at a children's behavioral treatment center.
They are of the opinion that ADHD is a fraud, that much of the behaviors can be treated with the same approach that the Dog Whisperer Uses: first you take them on a walk (exercise) then they can focus.
Many of these youngsters need some old fashioned recess activites like Dodgeball, then they can focus.
P.S. I'm a boomer, lived all over the US as a military brat, grew up with a wide variety of kids all over the US.
Boys of my generation did NOT suffer from ADHD.