Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, Volume 9, Number 2, 2007




                               The ADHD Epidemic in America
                                                          J. M. Stolzer, PhD
                                                     University of Nebraska–Kearney

                         Over the last decade, ADHD diagnoses have reached epidemic proportions in the United
                         States. Behaviors that were once considered normal range are now currently defined as                  [AuQ1]
                         pathological by those with a vested interest in promoting the widespread use of psycho-
                         tropic drugs in child and adolescent populations. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
                         (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed “mental illness” in children in the United
                         States today, and approximately 99% of children diagnosed as ADHD are prescribed daily
                         doses of methylphenidate in order to control undesirable behaviors. This article openly
                         challenges the scientific validity and reliability of current ADHD assessment tools and
                         questions the ethics involved in prescribing dangerous and addictive drugs to children. In
                         addition, particular attention will be given to familial, political, economical, biological,
                         ethological, historical, and evolutionary correlates as they relate to the myth of ADHD in
                         America. The goal of this article is to offer a theoretically sound alternative to the current
                         medical model and to challenge the existing ADHD paradigm that pathologizes histori-
                         cally documented, normal-range child behavioral patterns.


                         Keywords:                                                                                             [AuQ2]



                     O
                               ver the last 10–15 years, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diag-
                               noses have reached epidemic proportions in the United States (Baughman, 2006;
                               Breggin, 2002). In 1950s America, ADHD did not exist. In 1970, 2,000 American
                     children (mostly boys) were diagnosed as “hyperactive,” and the standard method of treat-
                     ment was behavior modification (Levine, 2004). By 2006, approximately 8–10 million
                     American children (again, the majority are boys) had been diagnosed with ADHD, and
                     the vast majority of these children have been treated with daily doses of methylphenidate
                     (Bredding, 2002; Breggin, 2002; Levine, 2004). What was once an unheard of “psychiatric
                     disorder” is now commonplace in America. Millions of American children are diagnosed
                     with a mythical disease, and the vast majority of these children are prescribed danger-
                     ous and addictive drugs in order to control normal-range, historically documented child
                     behaviors.
                        It is a fact that American children are disproportionately diagnosed with ADHD as
                     data indicates that 80%–90% of all methylphenidate produced worldwide is prescribed
                     for American children in order to control ADHD-type behaviors (Leo, 2000). Scientists
                     investigating the recently constructed ADHD phenomenon must begin to question why
                     ADHD is alarmingly prevalent in 21st-century America. Why has this disease not been
                     recorded across time? Across cultures? Across mammalian species? Proponents of the dis-
                     ease model of ADHD (a pseudohypothesis at best) are adamant in their assertion that
                     ADHD is the result of a chemical imbalance within the brain in spite of the fact that there
                     is no scientific evidence to substantiate this hypothesis. If indeed ADHD is a neurological



                     © 2007 Springer Publishing Company                                                                   37




3072012_05.indd 37                                                                                                               06/28/2007 14:41:23
38                                                                                    Stolzer


                     in nature, perhaps those in the scientific community should begin to ask what biological
                     mechanism could possibly account for the startling alteration of the neurological system
                     of the American boy in the course of 10–15 years (Levine, 2004).


                     RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH METHYLPHENIDATE USE

                     Although The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has reported that methyl-
                     phenidate can reduce classroom disturbance and increase compliance and sustained atten-
                     tion, seldom are the ill effects of methylphenidate discussed publicly (Breggin, 1995).
                     Methylphenidate is pharmacologically classified as an amphetamine and therefore causes
                     the identical type of effects, side effects, and risks that are associated with amphetamine
                     use (Breggin, 1995). The American Psychiatric Association has established that methyl-
                     phenidate is neuropharmacologically similar to cocaine and amphetamines and that abuse
                     patterns are strikingly similar for these types of drugs (Breggin, 1995). The U.S. Food and
                     Drug Administration (FDA) has classified methylphenidate as a schedule II drug, along
                     with amphetamines, morphine, opium, and barbiturates, as these classifications of drugs
                     have been proven to be highly addictive and have been documented to cause a wide range
                     of physiological dysfunction (Breggin, 1995).
                        Methylphenidate has been found to produce severe withdrawal symptoms, irritability,
                     suicidal feelings, headaches, and Tourette’s syndrome (Breggin, 1995; Novartis Pharma-
                     ceuticals Corporation, 2006). Methylphenidate use is also correlated with weight loss,
                     disorientation, personality changes, apathy, social isolation, and depression (Breggin &
                     Cohen, 1999; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 2006). While it has been scien-
                     tifically established that methylphenidate can decrease activity level and other disrup-
                     tive childhood behaviors (e.g., talking out of turn, spontaneous physical activity), it must
                     also be acknowledged that this classification of drug can produce insomnia, increased
                     blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors, weakened immunity, and growth suppression
                     (Breggin & Cohen, 1999; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 2006).
                        According to Novartis (the pharmaceutical company that manufactures methylpheni-
                     date under the trade name Ritalin), Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant; how-
                     ever, the mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known (Novartis Pharmaceuticals
                     Corporation, 2006). Novartis (2006) clearly states that the specific etiology of ADHD is
                     unknown, and that there is no single diagnostic test that can definitively diagnose ADHD
                     in human populations. Novartis (2006) acknowledges that the effectiveness of methyl-
                     phenidate for long-term use (i.e., more than 2 weeks) has not been established in con-
                     trolled trials, and has stated unequivocally that sufficient data on the safety of long-term
                     use of methylphenidate in children are not yet available.
                        According to Novartis, methylphenidate use has been associated with agitation,
                     fatigue, accelerated resting pulse rate, visual disturbances, drug dependency, anorexia,
                     nervousness, angina, tachycardia, immune system malfunction, aggression, liver dysfunc-
                     tion, hepatic coma, and toxic psychosis (Breggin & Cohen, 1999; Novartis Pharmaceuti-
                     cals Corporation, 2006). Perhaps the time has come to question why such dangerous and
                     addictive drugs are used to control child behaviors that have just recently been classified
                     as atypical. Furthermore, it could be argued that prescribing children schedule II drugs
                     (the most potent and highly addictive classification of drugs, according to the U.S. Drug




3072012_05.indd 38                                                                                                   06/28/2007 14:41:27
The ADHD Epidemic in America                                                                 39


                     Enforcement Agency) may not be the most beneficial treatment program for children in
                     the long term, as medical data indicate that the developing brain is the most susceptible
                     to chemical toxicity. Do Americans truly believe that the biochemistry of the developing
                     male brain has been altered to such an extent that it requires dangerous and addictive
                     drugs in order to function properly? If this is the case, what has caused this unprecedented
                     neurological dysfunction? And why is this neurological dysfunction reaching epidemic
                     proportions in young males who live within America’s borders?



                     SUBJECTIVITY OF ADHD DIAGNOSIS

                     Although many American medical professionals insist that ADHD is neurologically
                     induced, the fact of the matter is that there are no physiological, cognitive, or meta-
                     bolic markers that would indicate the presence of ADHD (Baughman, 2006; Breggin,
                     1995, 2001, 2002; DeGrandpre, 1999; Leo, 2000). Presumably, if ADHD is the result of
                     a dysfunctional brain, neurologists would be diagnosing this hypothesized brain atrophy
                     using state-of-the-art, high-tech brain imaging. This, however is not the case, as ADHD
                     is diagnosed using a checklist of behaviors. Teachers and parents fill out questionnaires,
                     and their answers are limited to the following: 1. Never 2. Rarely 3. Sometimes 4. Often 5.
                     Always. Herein lies the first problem in the reliability and validity of the ADHD diagnosis.
                     What exactly is the operational definition of “rarely”? of “sometimes”? of “often”? It could
                     be argued that these limited answers are highly subjective and vary tremendously from
                     one rater to the next. Until these terms are universally and quantitatively defined, the
                     validity and reliability of the ADHD diagnosis must be scientifically repudiated. It is also
                     worth noting that the status of the rater (i.e., the parent or the teacher) is not controlled
                     for in any way. Tolerance level, personality type, knowledge of developmental processes,
                     education, gender, age, and cultural background are variables that heavily influence adult
                     perception, yet this fact is oftentimes ignored by those individuals invested in perpetuat-
                     ing the disordered brain pseudohypothesis (Carey, 2002).
                        The questions contained in the ADHD assessment questionnaire are also highly subjec-            [AuQ3]
                     tive, as indicated by the following:

                     • “Often fidgets with hands or feet” (What is the operational definition of “fidgets”?)
                     • “Often runs about or climbs excessively” (How do we know when running or climbing becomes
                       “excessive”?)
                     • “Often has difficulty playing quietly” (What culture expects that children play “quietly”?)
                     • “Often fails to give close attention to details or makes mistakes in schoolwork” (Children are
                       notorious for paying “close attention” to that which interests them.)

                        These questions (and others) are currently used to determine if a child has a neuro-
                     logical disorder (i.e., ADHD); however, under close scientific scrutiny, it appears that            [AuQ4]
                     these questions may in fact be measuring adults’ frustration with typical and historically
                     documented child behaviors. According to Fred Baughman (2006), pediatric neurologist,
                     “In the overwhelming majority of cases, the underlying issue is either a clash between a
                     normal child and the requirements of his adult-controlled environment or the product of
                     diagnostic zeal in a newly deputized teacher-turned-deputy brain diagnostician” (p. 215).




3072012_05.indd 39                                                                                                        06/28/2007 14:41:28
40                                                                                    Stolzer


            [AuQ5]      Breggin and DeGrandpre (DeGrandpre, 1999) have hypothesized that the perception
                     of what constitutes normal-range boy behavior has been critically altered in 21st-century
                     America. Developmentally speaking, there is a broad range of normal child behavior that
                     oftentimes is at odds with adult-controlled environments—but this in and of itself does
                     not define the behavior as pathological, just highly inconvenient for those adults who
                     wish to maintain order according to adult-mandated scripts (Baughman, 2006). Accord-
                     ing to the recently constructed ADHD criterion, a behavioral checklist can definitively
                     identify neurological dysfunction. While it is absolutely certain that a checklist of behav-
                     iors (a checklist that has changed much over the past decade) can not identify neurologi-
                     cal atrophy, it is a distinct possibility that this checklist may be a valid way to identify
                     boy-type behavior patterns that do not fit in with our modern-day expectations (behaviors
                     that have, nonetheless, been documented in males across cultures, across time, and across
                     mammalian species; Baughman, 2006; Stolzer, 2005).



                     ECONOMIC CORRELATES

                     In 1975, Americans enacted legislation that allowed children with physical disabilities
                     access to public education. In 1991, this legislation was amended to include children with
                     behavioral and/or learning disorders. Since the inception of the 1991 amendment, there
                     has been a monumental rise in ADHD diagnoses in America as there clearly exists an
                     economic incentive to label children and adolescents with a myriad of behavioral and/or
                     psychiatric disorders (Bredding, 2002). Under the 1991 amendment to the Americans
                     with Disabilities Act, individual public schools receive additional federal monies for each
                     child that has been diagnosed with a behavioral and/or psychiatric disorder. Clearly stated,
                     the more children who are diagnosed, the more money the individual school receives
                     (Cohen, 2004). As a direct result of the 1991 amendment, ADHD rates vary considerably
                     from school to school in the United States. Private schools do not receive federal mon-
                     ies for educating “disordered” students; hence the rates of ADHD in private schools in
                     America are extremely low. Conversely, public schools are eligible to receive federal funds
                     and typically have much higher rates of ADHD diagnoses in their student populations
                     (Cohen, 2004).
                        The pharmaceutical industry has a vested economic interest in promoting the wide-
                     spread acceptance of ADHD medications in America. Parenting magazines, television
                     commercials, radio advertisements, doctor’s offices, and medical journals routinely adver-
                     tise psychotropic drugs for pediatric populations. This unprecedented flood of advertising
                     in America has desensitized the American consumer and has led to the unconditional
                     acceptance of ADHD as a legitimate and verifiable neurological disease (Stolzer, 2005).
                     The pharmaceutical industry has also done much to alleviate parental guilt in America
                     as pharmaceutical representatives continue to insist that ADHD is neurological in nature
                     and has nothing whatsoever to do with current parenting practices, economic incentives,
                     school systems, national policies, specific environments, and/or particular cultural ideolo-
                     gies (Stolzer, 2005).
                        In America, there exists an indisputable economic alliance between the pharmaceuti-
                     cal industry and the medical community. The pharmaceutical industry routinely promotes
                     ADHD as a neurological disorder; is the chief funding source for major medical conferences




3072012_05.indd 40                                                                                                   06/28/2007 14:41:28
The ADHD Epidemic in America                                                              41


                     dealing with ADHD; monopolizes ADHD research funding; provides financial incentives
                     for physicians who prescribe specific drugs; advertises psychotropic medications intended
                     for use in pediatric populations in prestigious American medical journals; and provides
                     major funding for American-based groups (e.g., CHADD) who openly promote ADHD as
                     a neurobiological disorder (Breggin, 2001; Stolzer, 2005).
                        The economic alliance that exists between the pharmaceutical industry and the medi-
                     cal community in America must be severed. The American consumer should be the ben-
                     eficiary of authentic and scientifically validated research—not the pawn of an economic
                     partnership. Laws need to be implemented that prohibit an economic alliance between
                     an industry whose main goal is monetary profit and the medical community, whose major
                     goal is to benefit human existence while doing no harm. Presently, it appears that this
                     economic partnership is thriving, and will continue to thrive unabated, until which time
                     Americans demand that scientific research (i.e., research that is not funded by the phar-
                     maceutical industry) guide conventional therapeutic practice.



                     AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE

                     Throughout human existence, males and females have followed divergent developmental
                     trajectories. Young males across cultures, across historical time, and across mammalian
                     species have displayed unique and distinguishable traits (e.g., accelerated activity levels,
                     dominance posturing, protectiveness). According to Jensen and colleagues (Jensen et al.,        [AuQ6]
                     1997), the most active of the species would most likely be the genetic line that survived
                     throughout evolutionary time, thus it should come as no surprise that males in the 21st
                     century are extremely active—particularly in childhood and adolescence. At present time,
                     proponents of the disordered brain hypothesis would have us believe that in the course
                     of 10–15 years, the male brain has been neurologically altered—hence the skyrocketing
                     rates of ADHD in young males across America. Evolutionarily speaking, this hypothesis
                     is highly suspect, as adaptations in the hominid species typically require thousands, if not
                     millions of years (Jensen et al., 1997).
                        If ADHD-type behaviors cannot be attributed to evolutionary alterations in the neu-
                     rological system, what then could account for the meteoric rise in ADHD diagnoses
                     across America? Generally speaking, childhood itself has been greatly altered over the
                     last few decades (DeGrandpre, 1999). For 99.9% of our time on earth, humans have lived
                     as hunter-gatherers, and high activity levels were not only highly desirable, but were in
                     fact crucial to the survival of the human species (Jensen et al., 1997; Stuart-Mcadam &         [AuQ7]
                     Dettwyler, 1995). Children today remain sedentary for hours on end as televisions, com-
                     puters, and electronic games have replaced the unrestricted outdoor roaming of the past.
                     They are immersed in artificial light, confined by four walls, and have virtually no contact
                     with the earth or the sun—elements that sustained them throughout evolutionary time
                     (Wilson, 1993). Compulsory schooling has restricted movement, creativity, outdoor activ-
                     ity, and unstructured play. Children’s diets have been altered dramatically as preservatives,
                     dyes, antibiotics, and hormones are routinely ingested. American children typically begin
                     day care at 6 weeks of age, and from this time, remain in the care of uninvested, under-
                     educated, and underpaid strangers for the majority of their formative years (Fogel, 2001;
                     Stolzer, 2005).




3072012_05.indd 41                                                                                                     06/28/2007 14:41:28
42                                                                                        Stolzer


                        Since it has been scientifically documented that males across mammalian spe-
                     cies, across cultures, and across historical time have displayed ADHD-type behavioral
                     traits, perhaps it is America’s perception of boyhood that has been dramatically altered
                     (Breggin, 2001; DeGrandpre, 1999). It has been hypothesized that he behavior of boys
                     has remained relatively constant over evolutionary time; what appears to have changed is
                     (a) Americans’ perception of those unique and historically valued evolutionary behaviors,
                     and (b) Americans’ willingness to unconditionally accept the newly formed disordered
                     brain hypothesis (DeGrandpre, 1999; Jensen et al., 1997; Stolzer, 2005).
                        It is most likely that males evolved in an environment that required high levels of
                     activity, hunting, and combativeness. Males that were the most active and most adept at
                     protecting their families were the males who ensured the survival of the human species
                     (Breggin, 1995; DeGrandpre, 1999). While some behavioristically inclined theoreticians
                     have been adamant in their assertion that environment is the sole cause of male and
                     female behavioral differences, the fact remains that uniquely male traits have been docu-
                     mented across thousands of years, across diverse geographical locations, and across mam-
                     malian species (Stolzer, 2005).
                        Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Or normal-range boy behavior? In our modern-
                     day quest for political correctness, it appears that the majority of Americans have confused
                     the terms equality and sameness (Hoff Sommers, 2000). Males and females are absolutely
                     equal in that they are members of the human race and should be accorded every opport-
                     unity for societal advancement, but to insist that they are the same in aptitude, behavior,
                     activity level, or predisposition is to perpetuate a myth that has no biological or scientific
                     credibility (Moir & Jessel, 1990). As our ancestors have known since the beginning of time,
                     boys really are different than girls. Of course, there are always the outliers, but fundamentally
                     speaking, there exists wide variance in boy and girl behaviors, learning styles, activity levels,
                     and general predilection (Breggin, 1995). It appears that Americans are intent on patholo-
                     gizing boyhood, and will continue to insist that male-type behavioral patterns are the result
                     of an atypical neurological system as long as there exists a financial incentive to do so.
                        Proponents of the disordered brain hypothesis insist that ADHD is a verifiable dis-
                     ease although there exists no scientific evidence to support this supposition (Baughman,
                     2006; Breggin, 1995, 2001, 2002; Breggin & Cohen, 1999; DeGrandpre, 1999; Leo, 2000).
                     What the diagnosis of ADHD does is takes the blame away from parents, teachers, and
                     specific cultural practices, and instead places the blame squarely on the shoulders of the
                     child (Carey, 2002). The ADHD model does not take into account the complexities
                     associated with growing up in modern-day America, nor does it address our unique and
                     ancient bioevolutionary heritage. Rather, the newly constructed ADHD model promotes
                     the widespread use of psychotropic drugs in order to control undesirable child behaviors.
                     Maybe we should be asking why American boys are inattentive, overactive, unfocused,
                     and so forth. Is ADHD the result of a disordered brain? Or is it a possibility that ADHD
                     is the direct result of the disordered world Americans have created for themselves and for
                     their children? It is a question worth pondering (Breggin, 2002).



                     CONCLUSION

                     Hypothetically speaking, it is a possibility that millions of American boys suffer from
                     a neurological condition known as ADHD. Scientifically speaking, it is much more




3072012_05.indd 42                                                                                                       06/28/2007 14:41:28
The ADHD Epidemic in America                                                                           43


                     rational to assume that ADHD-type behavior is evolutionarily adaptive, has been per-
                     fected over millions of years, and has ensured the survival of the human species. Could
                     it be that our modern-day cultural perception of boyhood is the driving force behind the
                     high incidence of ADHD in America today? Perhaps Americans have come to a place
                     where they actually prefer the chemically altered boy brain over the non-chemically
                     altered brain as normal-range, historically documented boy behaviors are not compatible
                     with the frenzied world Americans have created for themselves and for their children
                     (Breggin, 2004).
                        Lastly, let us not forget that ADHD in America is big business. Pharmaceutical compa-
                     nies, physicians, and public schools all have a vested economic interest in promoting the
                     ADHD phenomenon in America. Furthermore, parental guilt is assuaged by the notion
                     that ADHD-type behavior has nothing whatsoever to do with familial, societal, politi-
                     cal, evolutionary, or cultural attributes, as the problem, according to the pharmaceutical
                     industry and the American medical community, stems from a dysfunctional neurologi-
                     cal system. Apparently, it is much easier to drug American children than to collectively
                     address the multifarious variables associated with particular child behaviors in modern-day
                     America. The time has come to question both the reliability and the validity of the ADHD
                     diagnosis and to demand that dangerous and addictive drugs are universally prohibited as
                     a means to control undesirable childhood behaviors. Perhaps America could benefit by
                     seeking guidance from countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway—countries who
                     rarely prescribe psychiatric drugs to children and whose national policies clearly reflect the
                     motto “Children first” (Breggin, 1995).



                     REFERENCES

                     Baughman, F. (2006). The ADHD fraud; How psychiatry makes “patients” of normal children. Oxford,
                          England. Trafford.
                     Bredding, J. (2002). True nature and great misunderstandings on how we care for our children according
                          to our understanding. Austin, TX: Sunbelt Eakin.
                     Breggin, P. (1995). The hazards of treating “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” with methyl-
                          phenidate (Ritalin). The Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 10(2), 55–72.
                     Breggin, P. (2001). Talking back to Ritalin: What doctors aren’t telling you about stimulants for children
                          (Rev. ed.). Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books.
                     Breggin, P. (2002). The Ritalin fact book. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books.
                     Breggin, P. (2004). Keynote address at the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and              [AuQ8]
                          Psychology, New York.                                                                                   [AuQ9]
                     Breggin, P., & Cohen, D. (1999). Your drug may be your problem: How and why to stop taking psychiatric
                          medications. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books.
                     Carey, W. (2002). ADHD consensus statement.                                                                  [AuQ10]
                     Cohen, D. (2004). Contesting ADHD: Dissenting views on psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of chil-
                          dren. Paper presented at the University of Nebraska–Kearney.                                            [AuQ11]
                     DeGrandpre, R. (1999). Ritalin nation. New York: Norton.
                     Fogel, A. (2001). Infancy: Infant, family, and society. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
                     Hoff Sommers, C. (2000). The war against boys: How misguided feminism is harming our young men.
                          New York: Touchstone.
                     Jensen, P. S., Mrazek, D., Knapp, P. K., Steinber, L., Pfeffer, C., & Schowalter, J. (1997). Evolution
                          and revolution in child psychiatry: ADHD as a disorder of adaptation. Journal of the American
                          Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36(12), 1572–1679.




3072012_05.indd 43                                                                                                                  06/28/2007 14:41:28
44                                                                                                  Stolzer


                      Leo, J. (2000). Attention deficit disorder: Good science or good marketing? Skeptic, 8(1), 29–37.
            [AuQ12]   Levine, B. (2004). Mental illness or rebellion: How biopsychiatry diverts us from examining a society toxic
                           to well being. Paper presented at the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psy-
                           chology (ICSPP) Conference, New York.
                      Moir, A., & Jessel, D. (1990). Brain sex. New York: Dell.
                      Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2006). Ritalin LA drug insert. East Hanover, NJ: Elan Hold-
                           ings, Inc.
                      Stolzer, J. (2005). ADHD in America: A bioecological analysis. Ethical Human Psychology and
                           Psychiatry, 7(1), 65–75.
                      Stuart-Macadam, P., & Dettwyler, K. (1995). Breastfeeding: Biocultural perspectives. New York:
                           Aldine DeGruyter.
            [AuQ13]   Wilson, E. D. (1993). Biophilia and the conservation ethic. In S. R. Kellert & E. O. Wilson (Eds.),
                           The biophilia hypothesis. Washington, DC: Island Press/Shearwater.



                      Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to J. M. Stolzer, PhD, University of
            [AuQ14]   Nebraska–Kearney, Otto Olsen 205 D, Kearney, NE 68845–2130. E-mail: stolzerjm@unk.edu




3072012_05.indd 44                                                                                                                  06/28/2007 14:41:28
[AuQ1] It seems that the meaning of normal range is clearly understood in this context
                             without the need for quotation marks. OK? This has been done elsewhere below
                             as well. If special emphasis is required, please use italics.
                      [AuQ2] Please supply 4 to 6 keywords.
                      [AuQ3] From which source are the following bullet points taken? Should there be a text
                             citation and corresponding reference list entry present?
                      [AuQ4] “(i.e., ADHD)”: Is i.e. intended here, or should e.g. be used? That is, or for
                             example?
                      [AuQ5] Specify a particular Breggin source year (or multiple) in parentheses following
                             his name, then list only (1999) after DeGrandpre, as both authors have already
                             been introduced, and it seems lopsided to give a text citation for only one.
                      [AuQ6] In the parenthetical “accelerated activity levels, dominance posturing, protec-
                             tiveness,” it seemed that the preceding abbreviation should be “e.g.” to indicate
                             “for example” rather than “i.e.” (“that is”). OK?
                      [AuQ7] Name is spelled “Stuart-Macadam” in the reference list but “Stuart-Mcadam”
                             here. Please reconcile.
                      [AuQ8] In Breggin’s 2004 entry, please follow the year 2004 with a month, placing a
                             comma between, to indicate more precisely the date of the address.
                      [AuQ9] Breggin (2004): Did the keynote address have a title? If so, please place in italics
                             before “Keynote address at the . . .” Also, was this at a particular conference or
                             meeting of an organization? Please list specifics after “Keynote address at the.”
                     [AuQ10] Carey (2002): This reference entry does not provide enough information for the
                             reader as is. Please indicate whether it was a published or unpublished source
                             and format according to APA.
                     [AuQ11] Was Cohen’s paper presented for a conference or meeting or symposium? If
                             so, indicate that event name after “Paper presented at,” then follow the event
                             name with a comma and the name of the school as is.
                     [AuQ12] In Levine’s entry, please follow the year 2004 with a month, placing a comma
                             between, to indicate more precisely the date of the conference.
                     [AuQ13] Wilson (1993): Is the editor (E.O. Wilson) a different Wilson from the author
                             of the chapter cited in this entry? (Here, initials are E. O., there, E. D.). Please
                             verify.
                     [AuQ14] Correspondence information: Please place a department name (e.g., “Depart-
                             ment of Psychology”) before the street address if applicable.




3072012_05.indd 45                                                                                                  06/28/2007 14:41:29

More Related Content

PPTX
Literature Review, Power Point
DOC
Useand misusessummary
PDF
Friend NIH Alzheimers Summit 2012-05-14
DOCX
Senior Thesis 2016 By Pavel Stupakov-FINAL
PDF
Hamiel article on prevention
PPTX
Dual Diagnosis
PDF
Sarah_Project_OCD Early Biomarkers_8.3.16_SO
PPTX
Biomedical Therapies
Literature Review, Power Point
Useand misusessummary
Friend NIH Alzheimers Summit 2012-05-14
Senior Thesis 2016 By Pavel Stupakov-FINAL
Hamiel article on prevention
Dual Diagnosis
Sarah_Project_OCD Early Biomarkers_8.3.16_SO
Biomedical Therapies

What's hot (6)

PDF
An Integrative Approach to Environmental Intolerances, Multiple Chemical Sens...
PDF
Dsm proposal Part B
PDF
Guia psicotropicos en pediatrìa
PDF
Antidepressants in Bipolar Disorder (mar 2007)
PDF
Sensory Enrichment Therapy Second RCT Design Study
DOCX
Dissertation to print
An Integrative Approach to Environmental Intolerances, Multiple Chemical Sens...
Dsm proposal Part B
Guia psicotropicos en pediatrìa
Antidepressants in Bipolar Disorder (mar 2007)
Sensory Enrichment Therapy Second RCT Design Study
Dissertation to print
Ad

Viewers also liked (20)

PPTX
Vmobile Business Presentation
PDF
GDC - Presentation
PPT
Restmobi
PDF
J&T Banka WEALTH REPORT 2013: Prieskum medzi dolárovými milionármi
PPT
les TIC en la nostra societat
PDF
Infografika: Kto je lepší investor, ženy alebo muži?
PPTX
3era practica parasitologia
PDF
GMA Modeling and Decision Making_James Beach
PDF
GDC - Presentation
PDF
Infografika: Koľko je na svete boháčov?
PPTX
7 Benefits Of Building Niche Blogs
PDF
J&T BANKA: Expert na investície
PDF
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Valid Medical Condition or Cultural...
PPTX
PR on a Budget (ANT Wireless Symposium)
PPT
les TIC en la nostra societat
PDF
Infografika: Koľko vedia zarobiť štátne investície?
PDF
ADHD in America: A Bioecological Analysis
PDF
GDC - итоговая презентация (ver 2.0)
PPTX
PRIMER POWER MUSEO
PDF
Infografika: Letecký priemysel skrýva biliardy dolárov
Vmobile Business Presentation
GDC - Presentation
Restmobi
J&T Banka WEALTH REPORT 2013: Prieskum medzi dolárovými milionármi
les TIC en la nostra societat
Infografika: Kto je lepší investor, ženy alebo muži?
3era practica parasitologia
GMA Modeling and Decision Making_James Beach
GDC - Presentation
Infografika: Koľko je na svete boháčov?
7 Benefits Of Building Niche Blogs
J&T BANKA: Expert na investície
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Valid Medical Condition or Cultural...
PR on a Budget (ANT Wireless Symposium)
les TIC en la nostra societat
Infografika: Koľko vedia zarobiť štátne investície?
ADHD in America: A Bioecological Analysis
GDC - итоговая презентация (ver 2.0)
PRIMER POWER MUSEO
Infografika: Letecký priemysel skrýva biliardy dolárov
Ad

Similar to The ADHD Epidemic in America (20)

PPT
Literature Review Paper
PDF
Volkow addictions
PPT
Cheif Presentation - Jerrold Frank Rosenbaum
PDF
Do No Harm
PPT
Biomarkers in psychiatry
PDF
DOES METHYLPHENIDATE STIMULANT MEDICATION OR AMPHETAMINE STIMULANT MEDICATION...
PPSX
Clarity
PPT
ADHD and Chiropractic
PDF
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Children Rationale For It...
DOCX
IndependentStudyFinal
PDF
RomePsychiatricDrugs
PDF
Transition from methylphenidate or amphetamine to atomoxetine in children and...
PPT
Hanipsych, biomarkers in psychiatry
PPTX
Addiction In Pregnancy Ver.2
DOCX
100 positive response due at 5pm.docx
DOCX
Running head and connection to substance abuse1comorbidity an.docx
PPT
Natural Treatments for ADHD (TADH) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for Laboratorio Grea...
DOCX
CAM Modalities & ADHD Management
DOCX
CHAPTER NINEMedicating ChildrenThis chapter is divided into se.docx
PDF
Psychiatric Disorders in Chemically Dependent Individuals - October 2012
Literature Review Paper
Volkow addictions
Cheif Presentation - Jerrold Frank Rosenbaum
Do No Harm
Biomarkers in psychiatry
DOES METHYLPHENIDATE STIMULANT MEDICATION OR AMPHETAMINE STIMULANT MEDICATION...
Clarity
ADHD and Chiropractic
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) In Children Rationale For It...
IndependentStudyFinal
RomePsychiatricDrugs
Transition from methylphenidate or amphetamine to atomoxetine in children and...
Hanipsych, biomarkers in psychiatry
Addiction In Pregnancy Ver.2
100 positive response due at 5pm.docx
Running head and connection to substance abuse1comorbidity an.docx
Natural Treatments for ADHD (TADH) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for Laboratorio Grea...
CAM Modalities & ADHD Management
CHAPTER NINEMedicating ChildrenThis chapter is divided into se.docx
Psychiatric Disorders in Chemically Dependent Individuals - October 2012

More from worldwideww (9)

PDF
Coupon
PDF
Sunnybrook lift1 dr krym v5 jg
PDF
Sam the Superkitty Preview
PDF
An Elaboration on the Distinction Between Controversial Parenting and Therape...
PDF
Boys and the American Education System: A Biocultural Review of the Literature
PDF
ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
PDF
An Elaboration on the Distinction Between Controversial Parenting and Therape...
PDF
The Medicalization of Boyhood
PDF
Breastfeeding and obesity: a meta-analysis
Coupon
Sunnybrook lift1 dr krym v5 jg
Sam the Superkitty Preview
An Elaboration on the Distinction Between Controversial Parenting and Therape...
Boys and the American Education System: A Biocultural Review of the Literature
ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
An Elaboration on the Distinction Between Controversial Parenting and Therape...
The Medicalization of Boyhood
Breastfeeding and obesity: a meta-analysis

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS - Pathophysiology Notes for Second Year Pharm D St...
PPT
Blood and blood products and their uses .ppt
PPT
Opthalmology presentation MRCP preparation.ppt
PPTX
Hearthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
PDF
Lecture on Anesthesia for ENT surgery 2025pptx.pdf
PDF
OSCE SERIES ( Questions & Answers ) - Set 3.pdf
PPTX
Vaccines and immunization including cold chain , Open vial policy.pptx
PPT
neurology Member of Royal College of Physicians (MRCP).ppt
PPTX
NUCLEAR-MEDICINE-Copy.pptxbabaabahahahaahha
PPTX
Primary Tuberculous Infection/Disease by Dr Vahyala Zira Kumanda
PPTX
thio and propofol mechanism and uses.pptx
PPTX
NRP and care of Newborn.pptx- APPT presentation about neonatal resuscitation ...
PDF
Glaucoma Definition, Introduction, Etiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Presentat...
PDF
B C German Homoeopathy Medicineby Dr Brij Mohan Prasad
PPTX
CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL DRUGS.pptx for health study
PPTX
ANESTHETIC CONSIDERATION IN ALCOHOLIC ASSOCIATED LIVER DISEASE.pptx
PDF
The_EHRA_Book_of_Interventional Electrophysiology.pdf
PPT
nephrology MRCP - Member of Royal College of Physicians ppt
PDF
OSCE SERIES - Set 7 ( Questions & Answers ).pdf
PDF
OSCE Series ( Questions & Answers ) - Set 6.pdf
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS - Pathophysiology Notes for Second Year Pharm D St...
Blood and blood products and their uses .ppt
Opthalmology presentation MRCP preparation.ppt
Hearthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Lecture on Anesthesia for ENT surgery 2025pptx.pdf
OSCE SERIES ( Questions & Answers ) - Set 3.pdf
Vaccines and immunization including cold chain , Open vial policy.pptx
neurology Member of Royal College of Physicians (MRCP).ppt
NUCLEAR-MEDICINE-Copy.pptxbabaabahahahaahha
Primary Tuberculous Infection/Disease by Dr Vahyala Zira Kumanda
thio and propofol mechanism and uses.pptx
NRP and care of Newborn.pptx- APPT presentation about neonatal resuscitation ...
Glaucoma Definition, Introduction, Etiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Presentat...
B C German Homoeopathy Medicineby Dr Brij Mohan Prasad
CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL DRUGS.pptx for health study
ANESTHETIC CONSIDERATION IN ALCOHOLIC ASSOCIATED LIVER DISEASE.pptx
The_EHRA_Book_of_Interventional Electrophysiology.pdf
nephrology MRCP - Member of Royal College of Physicians ppt
OSCE SERIES - Set 7 ( Questions & Answers ).pdf
OSCE Series ( Questions & Answers ) - Set 6.pdf

The ADHD Epidemic in America

  • 1. Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, Volume 9, Number 2, 2007 The ADHD Epidemic in America J. M. Stolzer, PhD University of Nebraska–Kearney Over the last decade, ADHD diagnoses have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Behaviors that were once considered normal range are now currently defined as [AuQ1] pathological by those with a vested interest in promoting the widespread use of psycho- tropic drugs in child and adolescent populations. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed “mental illness” in children in the United States today, and approximately 99% of children diagnosed as ADHD are prescribed daily doses of methylphenidate in order to control undesirable behaviors. This article openly challenges the scientific validity and reliability of current ADHD assessment tools and questions the ethics involved in prescribing dangerous and addictive drugs to children. In addition, particular attention will be given to familial, political, economical, biological, ethological, historical, and evolutionary correlates as they relate to the myth of ADHD in America. The goal of this article is to offer a theoretically sound alternative to the current medical model and to challenge the existing ADHD paradigm that pathologizes histori- cally documented, normal-range child behavioral patterns. Keywords: [AuQ2] O ver the last 10–15 years, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diag- noses have reached epidemic proportions in the United States (Baughman, 2006; Breggin, 2002). In 1950s America, ADHD did not exist. In 1970, 2,000 American children (mostly boys) were diagnosed as “hyperactive,” and the standard method of treat- ment was behavior modification (Levine, 2004). By 2006, approximately 8–10 million American children (again, the majority are boys) had been diagnosed with ADHD, and the vast majority of these children have been treated with daily doses of methylphenidate (Bredding, 2002; Breggin, 2002; Levine, 2004). What was once an unheard of “psychiatric disorder” is now commonplace in America. Millions of American children are diagnosed with a mythical disease, and the vast majority of these children are prescribed danger- ous and addictive drugs in order to control normal-range, historically documented child behaviors. It is a fact that American children are disproportionately diagnosed with ADHD as data indicates that 80%–90% of all methylphenidate produced worldwide is prescribed for American children in order to control ADHD-type behaviors (Leo, 2000). Scientists investigating the recently constructed ADHD phenomenon must begin to question why ADHD is alarmingly prevalent in 21st-century America. Why has this disease not been recorded across time? Across cultures? Across mammalian species? Proponents of the dis- ease model of ADHD (a pseudohypothesis at best) are adamant in their assertion that ADHD is the result of a chemical imbalance within the brain in spite of the fact that there is no scientific evidence to substantiate this hypothesis. If indeed ADHD is a neurological © 2007 Springer Publishing Company 37 3072012_05.indd 37 06/28/2007 14:41:23
  • 2. 38 Stolzer in nature, perhaps those in the scientific community should begin to ask what biological mechanism could possibly account for the startling alteration of the neurological system of the American boy in the course of 10–15 years (Levine, 2004). RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH METHYLPHENIDATE USE Although The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has reported that methyl- phenidate can reduce classroom disturbance and increase compliance and sustained atten- tion, seldom are the ill effects of methylphenidate discussed publicly (Breggin, 1995). Methylphenidate is pharmacologically classified as an amphetamine and therefore causes the identical type of effects, side effects, and risks that are associated with amphetamine use (Breggin, 1995). The American Psychiatric Association has established that methyl- phenidate is neuropharmacologically similar to cocaine and amphetamines and that abuse patterns are strikingly similar for these types of drugs (Breggin, 1995). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified methylphenidate as a schedule II drug, along with amphetamines, morphine, opium, and barbiturates, as these classifications of drugs have been proven to be highly addictive and have been documented to cause a wide range of physiological dysfunction (Breggin, 1995). Methylphenidate has been found to produce severe withdrawal symptoms, irritability, suicidal feelings, headaches, and Tourette’s syndrome (Breggin, 1995; Novartis Pharma- ceuticals Corporation, 2006). Methylphenidate use is also correlated with weight loss, disorientation, personality changes, apathy, social isolation, and depression (Breggin & Cohen, 1999; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 2006). While it has been scien- tifically established that methylphenidate can decrease activity level and other disrup- tive childhood behaviors (e.g., talking out of turn, spontaneous physical activity), it must also be acknowledged that this classification of drug can produce insomnia, increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors, weakened immunity, and growth suppression (Breggin & Cohen, 1999; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 2006). According to Novartis (the pharmaceutical company that manufactures methylpheni- date under the trade name Ritalin), Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant; how- ever, the mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 2006). Novartis (2006) clearly states that the specific etiology of ADHD is unknown, and that there is no single diagnostic test that can definitively diagnose ADHD in human populations. Novartis (2006) acknowledges that the effectiveness of methyl- phenidate for long-term use (i.e., more than 2 weeks) has not been established in con- trolled trials, and has stated unequivocally that sufficient data on the safety of long-term use of methylphenidate in children are not yet available. According to Novartis, methylphenidate use has been associated with agitation, fatigue, accelerated resting pulse rate, visual disturbances, drug dependency, anorexia, nervousness, angina, tachycardia, immune system malfunction, aggression, liver dysfunc- tion, hepatic coma, and toxic psychosis (Breggin & Cohen, 1999; Novartis Pharmaceuti- cals Corporation, 2006). Perhaps the time has come to question why such dangerous and addictive drugs are used to control child behaviors that have just recently been classified as atypical. Furthermore, it could be argued that prescribing children schedule II drugs (the most potent and highly addictive classification of drugs, according to the U.S. Drug 3072012_05.indd 38 06/28/2007 14:41:27
  • 3. The ADHD Epidemic in America 39 Enforcement Agency) may not be the most beneficial treatment program for children in the long term, as medical data indicate that the developing brain is the most susceptible to chemical toxicity. Do Americans truly believe that the biochemistry of the developing male brain has been altered to such an extent that it requires dangerous and addictive drugs in order to function properly? If this is the case, what has caused this unprecedented neurological dysfunction? And why is this neurological dysfunction reaching epidemic proportions in young males who live within America’s borders? SUBJECTIVITY OF ADHD DIAGNOSIS Although many American medical professionals insist that ADHD is neurologically induced, the fact of the matter is that there are no physiological, cognitive, or meta- bolic markers that would indicate the presence of ADHD (Baughman, 2006; Breggin, 1995, 2001, 2002; DeGrandpre, 1999; Leo, 2000). Presumably, if ADHD is the result of a dysfunctional brain, neurologists would be diagnosing this hypothesized brain atrophy using state-of-the-art, high-tech brain imaging. This, however is not the case, as ADHD is diagnosed using a checklist of behaviors. Teachers and parents fill out questionnaires, and their answers are limited to the following: 1. Never 2. Rarely 3. Sometimes 4. Often 5. Always. Herein lies the first problem in the reliability and validity of the ADHD diagnosis. What exactly is the operational definition of “rarely”? of “sometimes”? of “often”? It could be argued that these limited answers are highly subjective and vary tremendously from one rater to the next. Until these terms are universally and quantitatively defined, the validity and reliability of the ADHD diagnosis must be scientifically repudiated. It is also worth noting that the status of the rater (i.e., the parent or the teacher) is not controlled for in any way. Tolerance level, personality type, knowledge of developmental processes, education, gender, age, and cultural background are variables that heavily influence adult perception, yet this fact is oftentimes ignored by those individuals invested in perpetuat- ing the disordered brain pseudohypothesis (Carey, 2002). The questions contained in the ADHD assessment questionnaire are also highly subjec- [AuQ3] tive, as indicated by the following: • “Often fidgets with hands or feet” (What is the operational definition of “fidgets”?) • “Often runs about or climbs excessively” (How do we know when running or climbing becomes “excessive”?) • “Often has difficulty playing quietly” (What culture expects that children play “quietly”?) • “Often fails to give close attention to details or makes mistakes in schoolwork” (Children are notorious for paying “close attention” to that which interests them.) These questions (and others) are currently used to determine if a child has a neuro- logical disorder (i.e., ADHD); however, under close scientific scrutiny, it appears that [AuQ4] these questions may in fact be measuring adults’ frustration with typical and historically documented child behaviors. According to Fred Baughman (2006), pediatric neurologist, “In the overwhelming majority of cases, the underlying issue is either a clash between a normal child and the requirements of his adult-controlled environment or the product of diagnostic zeal in a newly deputized teacher-turned-deputy brain diagnostician” (p. 215). 3072012_05.indd 39 06/28/2007 14:41:28
  • 4. 40 Stolzer [AuQ5] Breggin and DeGrandpre (DeGrandpre, 1999) have hypothesized that the perception of what constitutes normal-range boy behavior has been critically altered in 21st-century America. Developmentally speaking, there is a broad range of normal child behavior that oftentimes is at odds with adult-controlled environments—but this in and of itself does not define the behavior as pathological, just highly inconvenient for those adults who wish to maintain order according to adult-mandated scripts (Baughman, 2006). Accord- ing to the recently constructed ADHD criterion, a behavioral checklist can definitively identify neurological dysfunction. While it is absolutely certain that a checklist of behav- iors (a checklist that has changed much over the past decade) can not identify neurologi- cal atrophy, it is a distinct possibility that this checklist may be a valid way to identify boy-type behavior patterns that do not fit in with our modern-day expectations (behaviors that have, nonetheless, been documented in males across cultures, across time, and across mammalian species; Baughman, 2006; Stolzer, 2005). ECONOMIC CORRELATES In 1975, Americans enacted legislation that allowed children with physical disabilities access to public education. In 1991, this legislation was amended to include children with behavioral and/or learning disorders. Since the inception of the 1991 amendment, there has been a monumental rise in ADHD diagnoses in America as there clearly exists an economic incentive to label children and adolescents with a myriad of behavioral and/or psychiatric disorders (Bredding, 2002). Under the 1991 amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act, individual public schools receive additional federal monies for each child that has been diagnosed with a behavioral and/or psychiatric disorder. Clearly stated, the more children who are diagnosed, the more money the individual school receives (Cohen, 2004). As a direct result of the 1991 amendment, ADHD rates vary considerably from school to school in the United States. Private schools do not receive federal mon- ies for educating “disordered” students; hence the rates of ADHD in private schools in America are extremely low. Conversely, public schools are eligible to receive federal funds and typically have much higher rates of ADHD diagnoses in their student populations (Cohen, 2004). The pharmaceutical industry has a vested economic interest in promoting the wide- spread acceptance of ADHD medications in America. Parenting magazines, television commercials, radio advertisements, doctor’s offices, and medical journals routinely adver- tise psychotropic drugs for pediatric populations. This unprecedented flood of advertising in America has desensitized the American consumer and has led to the unconditional acceptance of ADHD as a legitimate and verifiable neurological disease (Stolzer, 2005). The pharmaceutical industry has also done much to alleviate parental guilt in America as pharmaceutical representatives continue to insist that ADHD is neurological in nature and has nothing whatsoever to do with current parenting practices, economic incentives, school systems, national policies, specific environments, and/or particular cultural ideolo- gies (Stolzer, 2005). In America, there exists an indisputable economic alliance between the pharmaceuti- cal industry and the medical community. The pharmaceutical industry routinely promotes ADHD as a neurological disorder; is the chief funding source for major medical conferences 3072012_05.indd 40 06/28/2007 14:41:28
  • 5. The ADHD Epidemic in America 41 dealing with ADHD; monopolizes ADHD research funding; provides financial incentives for physicians who prescribe specific drugs; advertises psychotropic medications intended for use in pediatric populations in prestigious American medical journals; and provides major funding for American-based groups (e.g., CHADD) who openly promote ADHD as a neurobiological disorder (Breggin, 2001; Stolzer, 2005). The economic alliance that exists between the pharmaceutical industry and the medi- cal community in America must be severed. The American consumer should be the ben- eficiary of authentic and scientifically validated research—not the pawn of an economic partnership. Laws need to be implemented that prohibit an economic alliance between an industry whose main goal is monetary profit and the medical community, whose major goal is to benefit human existence while doing no harm. Presently, it appears that this economic partnership is thriving, and will continue to thrive unabated, until which time Americans demand that scientific research (i.e., research that is not funded by the phar- maceutical industry) guide conventional therapeutic practice. AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE Throughout human existence, males and females have followed divergent developmental trajectories. Young males across cultures, across historical time, and across mammalian species have displayed unique and distinguishable traits (e.g., accelerated activity levels, dominance posturing, protectiveness). According to Jensen and colleagues (Jensen et al., [AuQ6] 1997), the most active of the species would most likely be the genetic line that survived throughout evolutionary time, thus it should come as no surprise that males in the 21st century are extremely active—particularly in childhood and adolescence. At present time, proponents of the disordered brain hypothesis would have us believe that in the course of 10–15 years, the male brain has been neurologically altered—hence the skyrocketing rates of ADHD in young males across America. Evolutionarily speaking, this hypothesis is highly suspect, as adaptations in the hominid species typically require thousands, if not millions of years (Jensen et al., 1997). If ADHD-type behaviors cannot be attributed to evolutionary alterations in the neu- rological system, what then could account for the meteoric rise in ADHD diagnoses across America? Generally speaking, childhood itself has been greatly altered over the last few decades (DeGrandpre, 1999). For 99.9% of our time on earth, humans have lived as hunter-gatherers, and high activity levels were not only highly desirable, but were in fact crucial to the survival of the human species (Jensen et al., 1997; Stuart-Mcadam & [AuQ7] Dettwyler, 1995). Children today remain sedentary for hours on end as televisions, com- puters, and electronic games have replaced the unrestricted outdoor roaming of the past. They are immersed in artificial light, confined by four walls, and have virtually no contact with the earth or the sun—elements that sustained them throughout evolutionary time (Wilson, 1993). Compulsory schooling has restricted movement, creativity, outdoor activ- ity, and unstructured play. Children’s diets have been altered dramatically as preservatives, dyes, antibiotics, and hormones are routinely ingested. American children typically begin day care at 6 weeks of age, and from this time, remain in the care of uninvested, under- educated, and underpaid strangers for the majority of their formative years (Fogel, 2001; Stolzer, 2005). 3072012_05.indd 41 06/28/2007 14:41:28
  • 6. 42 Stolzer Since it has been scientifically documented that males across mammalian spe- cies, across cultures, and across historical time have displayed ADHD-type behavioral traits, perhaps it is America’s perception of boyhood that has been dramatically altered (Breggin, 2001; DeGrandpre, 1999). It has been hypothesized that he behavior of boys has remained relatively constant over evolutionary time; what appears to have changed is (a) Americans’ perception of those unique and historically valued evolutionary behaviors, and (b) Americans’ willingness to unconditionally accept the newly formed disordered brain hypothesis (DeGrandpre, 1999; Jensen et al., 1997; Stolzer, 2005). It is most likely that males evolved in an environment that required high levels of activity, hunting, and combativeness. Males that were the most active and most adept at protecting their families were the males who ensured the survival of the human species (Breggin, 1995; DeGrandpre, 1999). While some behavioristically inclined theoreticians have been adamant in their assertion that environment is the sole cause of male and female behavioral differences, the fact remains that uniquely male traits have been docu- mented across thousands of years, across diverse geographical locations, and across mam- malian species (Stolzer, 2005). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Or normal-range boy behavior? In our modern- day quest for political correctness, it appears that the majority of Americans have confused the terms equality and sameness (Hoff Sommers, 2000). Males and females are absolutely equal in that they are members of the human race and should be accorded every opport- unity for societal advancement, but to insist that they are the same in aptitude, behavior, activity level, or predisposition is to perpetuate a myth that has no biological or scientific credibility (Moir & Jessel, 1990). As our ancestors have known since the beginning of time, boys really are different than girls. Of course, there are always the outliers, but fundamentally speaking, there exists wide variance in boy and girl behaviors, learning styles, activity levels, and general predilection (Breggin, 1995). It appears that Americans are intent on patholo- gizing boyhood, and will continue to insist that male-type behavioral patterns are the result of an atypical neurological system as long as there exists a financial incentive to do so. Proponents of the disordered brain hypothesis insist that ADHD is a verifiable dis- ease although there exists no scientific evidence to support this supposition (Baughman, 2006; Breggin, 1995, 2001, 2002; Breggin & Cohen, 1999; DeGrandpre, 1999; Leo, 2000). What the diagnosis of ADHD does is takes the blame away from parents, teachers, and specific cultural practices, and instead places the blame squarely on the shoulders of the child (Carey, 2002). The ADHD model does not take into account the complexities associated with growing up in modern-day America, nor does it address our unique and ancient bioevolutionary heritage. Rather, the newly constructed ADHD model promotes the widespread use of psychotropic drugs in order to control undesirable child behaviors. Maybe we should be asking why American boys are inattentive, overactive, unfocused, and so forth. Is ADHD the result of a disordered brain? Or is it a possibility that ADHD is the direct result of the disordered world Americans have created for themselves and for their children? It is a question worth pondering (Breggin, 2002). CONCLUSION Hypothetically speaking, it is a possibility that millions of American boys suffer from a neurological condition known as ADHD. Scientifically speaking, it is much more 3072012_05.indd 42 06/28/2007 14:41:28
  • 7. The ADHD Epidemic in America 43 rational to assume that ADHD-type behavior is evolutionarily adaptive, has been per- fected over millions of years, and has ensured the survival of the human species. Could it be that our modern-day cultural perception of boyhood is the driving force behind the high incidence of ADHD in America today? Perhaps Americans have come to a place where they actually prefer the chemically altered boy brain over the non-chemically altered brain as normal-range, historically documented boy behaviors are not compatible with the frenzied world Americans have created for themselves and for their children (Breggin, 2004). Lastly, let us not forget that ADHD in America is big business. Pharmaceutical compa- nies, physicians, and public schools all have a vested economic interest in promoting the ADHD phenomenon in America. Furthermore, parental guilt is assuaged by the notion that ADHD-type behavior has nothing whatsoever to do with familial, societal, politi- cal, evolutionary, or cultural attributes, as the problem, according to the pharmaceutical industry and the American medical community, stems from a dysfunctional neurologi- cal system. Apparently, it is much easier to drug American children than to collectively address the multifarious variables associated with particular child behaviors in modern-day America. The time has come to question both the reliability and the validity of the ADHD diagnosis and to demand that dangerous and addictive drugs are universally prohibited as a means to control undesirable childhood behaviors. Perhaps America could benefit by seeking guidance from countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway—countries who rarely prescribe psychiatric drugs to children and whose national policies clearly reflect the motto “Children first” (Breggin, 1995). REFERENCES Baughman, F. (2006). The ADHD fraud; How psychiatry makes “patients” of normal children. Oxford, England. Trafford. Bredding, J. (2002). True nature and great misunderstandings on how we care for our children according to our understanding. Austin, TX: Sunbelt Eakin. Breggin, P. (1995). The hazards of treating “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” with methyl- phenidate (Ritalin). The Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 10(2), 55–72. Breggin, P. (2001). Talking back to Ritalin: What doctors aren’t telling you about stimulants for children (Rev. ed.). Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books. Breggin, P. (2002). The Ritalin fact book. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books. Breggin, P. (2004). Keynote address at the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and [AuQ8] Psychology, New York. [AuQ9] Breggin, P., & Cohen, D. (1999). Your drug may be your problem: How and why to stop taking psychiatric medications. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books. Carey, W. (2002). ADHD consensus statement. [AuQ10] Cohen, D. (2004). Contesting ADHD: Dissenting views on psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of chil- dren. Paper presented at the University of Nebraska–Kearney. [AuQ11] DeGrandpre, R. (1999). Ritalin nation. New York: Norton. Fogel, A. (2001). Infancy: Infant, family, and society. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Hoff Sommers, C. (2000). The war against boys: How misguided feminism is harming our young men. New York: Touchstone. Jensen, P. S., Mrazek, D., Knapp, P. K., Steinber, L., Pfeffer, C., & Schowalter, J. (1997). Evolution and revolution in child psychiatry: ADHD as a disorder of adaptation. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36(12), 1572–1679. 3072012_05.indd 43 06/28/2007 14:41:28
  • 8. 44 Stolzer Leo, J. (2000). Attention deficit disorder: Good science or good marketing? Skeptic, 8(1), 29–37. [AuQ12] Levine, B. (2004). Mental illness or rebellion: How biopsychiatry diverts us from examining a society toxic to well being. Paper presented at the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psy- chology (ICSPP) Conference, New York. Moir, A., & Jessel, D. (1990). Brain sex. New York: Dell. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2006). Ritalin LA drug insert. East Hanover, NJ: Elan Hold- ings, Inc. Stolzer, J. (2005). ADHD in America: A bioecological analysis. Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, 7(1), 65–75. Stuart-Macadam, P., & Dettwyler, K. (1995). Breastfeeding: Biocultural perspectives. New York: Aldine DeGruyter. [AuQ13] Wilson, E. D. (1993). Biophilia and the conservation ethic. In S. R. Kellert & E. O. Wilson (Eds.), The biophilia hypothesis. Washington, DC: Island Press/Shearwater. Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to J. M. Stolzer, PhD, University of [AuQ14] Nebraska–Kearney, Otto Olsen 205 D, Kearney, NE 68845–2130. E-mail: stolzerjm@unk.edu 3072012_05.indd 44 06/28/2007 14:41:28
  • 9. [AuQ1] It seems that the meaning of normal range is clearly understood in this context without the need for quotation marks. OK? This has been done elsewhere below as well. If special emphasis is required, please use italics. [AuQ2] Please supply 4 to 6 keywords. [AuQ3] From which source are the following bullet points taken? Should there be a text citation and corresponding reference list entry present? [AuQ4] “(i.e., ADHD)”: Is i.e. intended here, or should e.g. be used? That is, or for example? [AuQ5] Specify a particular Breggin source year (or multiple) in parentheses following his name, then list only (1999) after DeGrandpre, as both authors have already been introduced, and it seems lopsided to give a text citation for only one. [AuQ6] In the parenthetical “accelerated activity levels, dominance posturing, protec- tiveness,” it seemed that the preceding abbreviation should be “e.g.” to indicate “for example” rather than “i.e.” (“that is”). OK? [AuQ7] Name is spelled “Stuart-Macadam” in the reference list but “Stuart-Mcadam” here. Please reconcile. [AuQ8] In Breggin’s 2004 entry, please follow the year 2004 with a month, placing a comma between, to indicate more precisely the date of the address. [AuQ9] Breggin (2004): Did the keynote address have a title? If so, please place in italics before “Keynote address at the . . .” Also, was this at a particular conference or meeting of an organization? Please list specifics after “Keynote address at the.” [AuQ10] Carey (2002): This reference entry does not provide enough information for the reader as is. Please indicate whether it was a published or unpublished source and format according to APA. [AuQ11] Was Cohen’s paper presented for a conference or meeting or symposium? If so, indicate that event name after “Paper presented at,” then follow the event name with a comma and the name of the school as is. [AuQ12] In Levine’s entry, please follow the year 2004 with a month, placing a comma between, to indicate more precisely the date of the conference. [AuQ13] Wilson (1993): Is the editor (E.O. Wilson) a different Wilson from the author of the chapter cited in this entry? (Here, initials are E. O., there, E. D.). Please verify. [AuQ14] Correspondence information: Please place a department name (e.g., “Depart- ment of Psychology”) before the street address if applicable. 3072012_05.indd 45 06/28/2007 14:41:29