5.4 million children have ADHD

By JoNel Aleccia Health writer
msnbc.com msnbc.com

Nationwide shortages of popular drugs used to treat ADD and ADHD are sending parents scrambling, with some combing multiple pharmacies for the Adderall and Ritalin that keep their kids calm.

Molly Taylor, 46, of Worcester, Mass., was turned away empty-handed this week when she went to pick up prescriptions of Adderall XR for herself and her 16-year-old son, Luke.
“They don’t have them,” an incredulous Taylor told msnbc.com. “You could be waiting several days, which would have a HUGE impact. If you can’t get it that day, it’s very, very difficult.”
Some distributors cite manufacturing delays and increased demand as the reasons; others offer no explanation for the shortages.

5.4 million children have ADHD In the United States
An estimated 5.4 million children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 66 percent of those with current ADHD take medication to control the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For millions of children — and adults — the stimulant medications ease the symptoms of ADHD, allowing them to control distracted thoughts and behavior well enough to participate in school, work and social life.

“In most cases, you’re not thinking ahead,” noted Taylor, the Massachusetts mom.
Fortunately, Taylor had squirreled away five pills apiece for her and her son, just in case of insurance delays or other emergencies. For a few more days, Taylor is OK. But once her stash is gone, she worries about how long it might take to replace the drug.

Without Adderall XR, her son’s concentration in sports and school may suffer. In many families, life becomes just generally more difficult.

Are you kidding me? Well hell, let's give all our kids drugs so our lives aren't difficult. God forbid should we have children that aren't calm 24/7. Oh, and no more day dreaming either! Maybe kids are just over stimulated. Maybe parents need to pay more attention to their kids. If you don't ever wonder if our country is over medicated, now would be a good time to start. This article blew me away, 5.4 million children? There are so many things this article says that are wrong in so many ways!