Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD (PART I of II)

Comments by Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC.:

This article and a second one to be posted just after this one poses an interesting conversation about ADHD.

Symptoms consistent with ADHD absolutely interfere with children and adults living their lives as they would like. However, one of the questions I feel is most important to consider in treating ADHD is: what is causing the difficulty with sustained attention and concentration? Until that is answered and other possibilities are ruled out I do not feel ADHD is the best place to stop in helping the patient.

If a child is anxious and struggles to pay attention as a result of the anxiety should they also be diagnosed with ADHD if they meet diagnostic criteria? Stimulants may help this child pay attention in the short run but if the cause of anxiety is addressed I have found that the ADHD will remit and the child will feel more reassured about their ability to face and cope with feelings. Many times I find that there is a time pressure to treat the symptoms as fast as possible. This may be where stimulants come in and an ADHD diagnosis is given due to the person meeting diagnostic criteria. They may notice improved concentration but might a bigger part of be picture be getting over looked?

BEGIN ARTICLE: Published on March 8, 2012 by Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D. in Suffer the Children

In the United States, at least 9% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and are taking pharmaceutical medications. In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and medicated for ADHD is less than .5%. How come the epidemic of ADHD—which has become firmly established in the United States—has almost completely passed over children in France?

Is ADHD a biological-neurological disorder? Surprisingly, the answer to this question depends on whether you live in France or in the United States. In the United States, child psychiatrists consider ADHD to be a biological disorder with biological causes. The preferred treatment is also biological--psycho stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall...

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd

Reposted by:

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC.

drcharlesdavenport.com