I'm not really sure what this chart means,
I was too distracted by all the colors to read the article, but, man, it sure looks impressive.
ADHD is short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If you don't know what ADHD is, you should go here and read the criteria. Basically, people with ADHD have low impulse control, excessive energy, and difficulty focusing.
According to the Center for Disease Control, ADHD is hereditary, not environmental. They claim that the science shows that your diet, environment, and upbringing don't have any bearing on your ADHD. Despite that claim, there are still loads of articles insisting that chemicals found in food, especially food dye, is really causing ADHD. None of them seem to have any substantial evidence and yet, people love to spread that as if it were fact. This article even claims there are certain kinds of food you can eat to control ADHD.
I read another article that said that in the US we consider it biological and we treat it with medications but in France, the consider it behavioral and they treat it with behavior therapy. According to the article, ADHD rates are significantly lower in France. Could this mean they are on to something?
I guess it seems premature to be worrying about ADHD now but I've always had it and, for some reason, it seems inevitable that I will pass it on to my offspring. I feel really fortunate that I've been able to employ some coping mechanisms to allow me to be successful. I know a lot of people who pin their lack of success in life on their ADD/ADHD. I, of course, can't know if I would have been even MORE successful without it, but I am happy with where I am and how my life is.
I guess I'm afraid that my kids might not have the same perfect storm of ADHD, creativity, drive, and people-pleaser that I have that have allowed me to channel my ADHD into a vivid life full of achievements and memories.
It is, of course, possible that my kids will take after their dad and won't have ADHD or that they will have ADHD and be able to use it to their advantage, like I do.
If any of you have ADHD children and have any advice, please post it here.
Annotated Bibliography
Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD. Dr. Marilyn Wedge. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd 8 March 2012
This article compares and contrasts the American and French attitude about and approach to ADHD. Basically, Americans see it as a biological issue and medicate ADHD kids; the French see it as a sociological issue and deal more directly with behavior.
CDC - ADHD, Facts. Center for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html 16 Jul 2013.
This page gives an overview of ADHD. Most significantly, it states that ADHD is genetic and not caused by sugar, food coloring, TV, or parenting habits.
5 food to feed your child with ADHD. Jean Weiss http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/adhd/5-foods-to-feed-your-child-with-adhd%E2%80%94and-5-to-avoid-1
This article claims that you can feed your kids a diet that will help control ADHD.
ADHD cause unlikely to be dopamine dysfunction. Dr. Catherine Paddock. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/268016.php 29 Oct 13.
This article explains that new research is reframing the way we look at the biological cause of ADHD. The scary thing is that children are being chemically treated for a disorder that we still don't actually know the root of.
Important Information about ADHD. The ADHD Support Site. http://www.attentiondeficit-add-adhd.com/adhd_add_information.htm
I think I would want to see data specifically on prevalence of the diagnostic SYMPTOMS which are labeled ADHD in America, and not in France. I highly agree that American Psychiatry pathologizes certain aspects of what I would consider "normal upbringing", but in order for the article to make the claim it is implying (the French approach is superior to the American approach) I would want to see what data is available on the actual specific behavioral issues, because as the article says, the instance of ADHD in France is lower simply because the diagnostic criterion is much more restrictive, not because the instance of behaviors may actually be lower. Just my thought.
ReplyDeleteFrom my anecdotal expedience as a special education behavior teacher, like most other Americans feel, ADHD exists but it's WAY over diagnosed. The second your kids start acting out or starts getting bad grades you go doctor hunting until you find one willing to label your kid with a disability that Justifies you not having to change the environment or put in some effort and you medicate the problem. And as many law school students can tell you, our ADHD meds are good at what they are suppose to do. Some people just go straight to needs before actually trying anything else or even considering it nurture over nature.
ReplyDeleteBtw I've almost attended professional development conducted by medical professionals who work in this area and they agree.
ReplyDeleteAlmost = also
DeleteYeah, I'm not convinced France has lower rates of ADHD because their treatment is superior. I'm inclined to think they diagnose it less often for systemic reasons.
ReplyDeleteADHD is totally real (I haz it!) but it is easy to confuse it with hyperactivity induced by food chemicals. If avoiding red food coloring "cures" your ADHD - you didn't actually have ADHD in the first place. Just like if avoiding gluten "cures" your autism - you weren't on the autism spectrum to begin with. But I absolutely believe people from both camps were exhibiting symptoms that justified the diagnosis at the time. I have a godson who has hyperactive reactions to several food dyes and to grapes/raisins and a few other things. Food sensitivity/allergy that manifests behaviorally is real, and can certainly look like ADHD!
I know I'll be looking for my kids to have ADHD because I do. I hope I am able to look at them objectively and take food allergies into consideration, too. gosh, why's it all gotta be so complicated??
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