Over-diagnosis and over-prescription of ADHD Currently, America has an over-prescription problem, affecting all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds . Among young children, the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, has rapidly increased. Because we live in a world where so many people need quick results, normal childhood behaviors are now confused with ADHD and other disorders. In this article, I will prove that ADHD is overdiagnosed and overprescribed, particularly in lower socioeconomic groups. Having children on medication is not healthy and this trend must stop. ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, but it is seriously misunderstood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) begins in early childhood (average age of onset is 7) and can continue into adolescence and into adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Scientists still don't know exactly what causes ADHD, although some suggest that genes play a dominant role. This most likely results from a combination of factors such as environmental factors, brain damage, nutrition and social environment. According to the NIMH, some children with ADHD have thinner brain tissue in areas of the brain associated with attention; however, as they grow, the tissue reaches a normal level of thickness. Environmental factors, such as having a mother who consumed cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy and children exposed to high levels of lead, are more likely to develop ADHD. Some British scientists have linked higher consumption of addictive food products like preservatives to a...... middle of paper ...... psychologist who could give children advice on how to concentrate. Unfortunately, such treatments are very expensive and most medical insurance plans do not include therapy. Medication is also the quickest way for parents to see results in their unruly child. Since the FDA allowed companies to advertise directly to consumers, we've seen an increase in ADHD rates because parents would see the ad, take their toddler, and come back with very strong medications. To combat the problem of overprescribing, parents must make a constant effort to be their child's strongest advocates. Parents need to be well-researched on this topic and decide whether or not it is worth taking medication. They must be able to properly care for their child with alternative methods before turning to medications that many doctors believe should be the final straw...