^^THIS^^
And it makes it a lot tougher for parents of the kids that "really" have a problem, because so much cynicism has been bred regarding this issue.
Sad to say, there are people I have known in my life that I could predict whose kids will be diagnosed with ADHD. Except for one family, they've met basically the same critieria: split or "too busy" parents, lack of discipline, overstimulation (endless TV and electronics) and crappy diet.
Toss in the prejudice against "normal boy behavior" in the schools and it's been a recipe for disaster.
The thing is that a lot of parents don’t get second opinions when meds are prescribed.
My daughter was diagnosed with a movement disorder at 15 where her left hand cramps and/or has uncontrollable movements. The first neurologist prescribed Artane to treat it. He said there were few side effects. We went online, and online people said it was horrble.
We then got a referral to a movent disorders specialist at Stanford. She was very against the meds and said that the side effects from Artane would be worse than the disorder. She did prescribe clonapin (which has terrible side effects), but it’s to be used sparingly when my daughter is having lots of pain or cramping. I think my daughter has taken it 3 or 4 times. She also had my daughter trying physical therapy and other methods to help her that don’t include meds.
My other daughter has a seizure disorder and a brain injury. She’s on anti-seizure meds, but has ad other issues. Her psychiatrst has never wanted to put her on meds for depression or anxiety. She’s too worried about how meds will affect her because of the rain injury. She likes us going to psychologist and modifying her environment.
I love doctors who don’t jump to medicate!