Doping Up the Tikes
The doping up of our children is now common place. A four year old who had been under treatment for ADHD since she was 28 months old died of either an overdose or pneumonia. Her parents are on trial for her murder. The reports of the case only occasionally suggest that the perhaps diagnosing toddlers with mental diseases and prescribing powerful drugs to them might not be the very wisest medical decision.
Riley Trial report from Trial Blog
The grand jury didn't indict the toddler's doctor, but she wasn't going to testify without immunity, threatening to take the fifth without it.
Toddler's Doctor Gets Immunity to Testify
This is the drug the good Dr. prescribed for the baby:
Here's all you need to know about a kid to diagnose him or her with ADHD. I don't think I've ever met a 5-year-old who didn't qualify.
To meet the diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of psychiatric disorders) a couple of aspects have to be considered to meet a diagnosis of adhd:
A. Six (or more) of either 1) Inattention, or 2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
1) Inattention
often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in homework, work, or other activities
often has difficulties sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
often does not follow through instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities
often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental efforts
often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
is often forgetful in daily activities
2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
often talks excessively
Impulsivity
often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
often has difficulty awaiting turn
often interrupt or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)