adhd exists
It does. It really does. I’m sure it does. But not in the numbers much of society would have us believe. In the past few years, there has been a massive increase in the diagnosis of children said to be suffering with ADHD, an increase of 40% in the last ten years alone and to a level where it is claimed that up to 5% of children are affected. Fidgety, unfocussed, disruptive and tired? Go get a diagnosis and a shot of Ritalin.
No one is denying that some children do struggle with behavioural problems where stimulants can be beneficial but, according to a recent study by neurologist Dr Richard Saul, to lump all these together as ADHD is just plain wrong. Somewhat worryingly, many of those formerly diagnosed saw the condition disappear with such simple measures as better diet, more sleep, exercise, challenging school work and attention from their parents. Ditch the chips, curfew the playstation, kick a ball around and read them a book at bedtime. Voila!
