The Harmful Impact of ADHD Medication
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is everywhere in American classrooms! The number of diagnosed children has dramatically increased in the past 50 years, particularly minorities and lower-income families.
Based on data from the 2020-2022 National Health Interview Survey, approximately 11.3% (roughly 6.5 million) children ages 5-17 in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Is this jaw-dropping increase really the result of an upsurge in psychological illnesses, or of a dangerous shift in the way experts label behavioral problems?
Sure, some kids struggle to pay attention during school, especially boys, who are three times as likely to be diagnosed as females. They tend to “act-out” more than girls, displaying physical aggression or hyperactivity, or are easily distracted, behaviors more easily flagged, says TheDailyBell.
These types of behaviors could just be immaturity, a Taiwanese study of nearly 400,000 students ages 4-to-17 showed, confirming previous Western research. Still, the psychiatric and pharmaceutical communities insist that ADHD is a legitimate mental condition. But what if overtaxed parents and harried teachers are overly hasty in treating mere childhood immaturity with psychotropic drugs?
While there are undoubtedly children who do suffer from chemical imbalances that affect their ability to concentrate on academic pursuits, other possibilities include:
Children misdiagnosed due to an active temperament, and simply need clearer boundaries and physical activity.
Children having unbridled access to social media, phones and video games that get them out of control behaviorally and impulsively.
Why opt for dangerous drugs when natural approaches like diet, exercise, and sleep can effectively support children struggling in school?
Drugs and Mental Illness
A recent study has raised significant concerns about the potential link between Adderall and other ADHD medications and severe mental health crises in children. Adderall for instance has many physical side effects, as well as possible psychotic symptoms.
At other times, psychotropic drugs are used for depression; again with physical side effects, or worse, possible mania or increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
The Daily Mail reports on a study:
People who take Adderall may be at a much greater risk of having a mental breakdown. Those with a prescription for the ADHD drug or other stimulants were over 60 percent more likely to suffer psychosis or mania than people not using the meds. Stronger doses raised the risk fivefold.
The narrative around ADHD is built around systemic failure. Parents are failing to provide proper guidance, purpose and support for their children and schools promote curriculums including sexual orientation, gender identity, and traditional gender roles such as masculinity. This confuses children and depletes their confidence, resulting in an alarming increase in mental health crises.
This is troubling as some middle and high schools in the United States now report 1 in 4 teens abusing prescription stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nonmedical uses of stimulants can include taking more than a normal dose to get high, or taking the medication with alcohol or other drugs to boost a high, prior studies have found.
School Shootings
Whenever law enforcement releases information about the drugs in a school shooter’s system, and the media actually report that information, we learn that these children are on a cocktail of psychotropic drugs. A new study indicates that we can now add Adderall and other “treatments” for ADHD to the list of drugs fed to young people that make them go crazy, says American Thinker.
We’re killing young boys psychologically with drugs causing anxiety, depression, psychosis and seizures—effects that are worse than the symptoms. And then we’re surprised when they come back and, in their drug-induced rage, start killing others physically.
A shocking report, called Psychiatric Drugs Create Violence & Suicide: School Shootings & Other Acts of Senseless Violence, outlines the link between powerful pharmaceuticals to hostility, aggression, and homicidal thoughts. The report details more than 60 examples of school and mass shootings, stabbings and senseless violent acts committed by those under the influence of psychotropic drugs or experiencing serious withdrawal from them.
Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International, said, "Psychiatric drugs create dependence, suicide and violence in a percent of individuals taking them. That is a documented fact.”
Conclusion
On the face of evidence, it seems that kids are being diagnosed with ADHD simply as a matter of convenience. Children who display behaviors such as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity—pretty typical behaviors for young people depending on personality—are often singled out for assessments by a psychiatrist. Parents know that their child will be far less disruptive once they’re medicated. It’s easier and faster than teaching them proper behavior, right?
Start giving your child some loving attention. Don’t hand them over to medical professionals that wield powerful drugs—that’s insane. The evidence shows this approach is failing badly.
Instead of relying on pills as a quick fix, why not explore alternatives? Engage in open conversations, foster their interests, create structured routines, and, most importantly, be present in their lives. Kids need guidance, not a prescription. Breaking the cycle of over-medication starts at home, and it’s high time we put our children’s well-being before convenience. Let's prioritize understanding and support over a label and a pill. The alternative may be catastrophic.
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