Marilyn WedgeA Disease Called Childhood: Why ADHD Became an American Epidemic

First, I'll address the critics. The author is a counselor and mental health therapist, not a medical doctor. It is therefore unsurprising that she would offer examples from her own experience of children who were improperly medicated whose behavior then improved through counseling and behavioral therapy, as opposed to pharmaceuticals.The author places more stock in the idea that diet affects behavior than I do, but she is NOT a nut job pushing homeopathic remedies for anything that ails you.Her most compelling arguments lie in (a) outlining the history of the DSM-V diagnoses and how the diagnoses themselves have been influenced by the pharmaceutical industry over time and (b) comparing US rates of ADHD diagnoses to those of other developed countries. After reading this book, I have several practicable ideas for helping my little daydreamer become a more disciplined pre-teen and develop into a functioning teen and young adult.

This book makes a compelling case for addressing the problems of childhood from a psychosocial perspective taking into account issues of parenting, adverse childhood experiences, stress,etc. and their impact in children's emotional health. It also shows how easily influenced we are by the persuasive lobby of the medical and pharma industry in categorizing as purely biological a condition (ADHD) that until recently was viewed arising from simply misbehavior, emotional dysfunctions or skill deficits in kids growing up. It is scary to see so many young kids are taking medications for conditions that can be addressed by engaging in therapy in which they can actually learn the necessary coping skills for life. I see this book as an important reference to educators and parents to situate them in the current controversy between social and biological models of behavior.

Excellent research and personal testimony of someone who knows children well and has great compassion for them. So thankful to have understanding of how ADD/ADHD is actually described and diagnosed and all the changes to this diagnoses over the past 30 years in parallel with the marketing of stimulant drugs to 'treat' the condition. There are too many psychologists/psychiatrists working together for profit; having no moral scruples for the care of their patients or the bewildered parents who put their trust in them. My own synopsis is that Attention Deficit Disorder is not a deficiency in any child, it is the parent's lack of attention to their needs; children need the security of knowing they are loved, nutritious diet and proper training. Parents should model the example they want their children to follow and continually train along the way as they grow and mature.

The beginning of the book (regarding the history of ADHD and the broadening diagnostic criteria) is well informed and helpful. However, the author abandons facts in the chapters on diet and education in favor of anecdotes and her personal / political vision of who should have increasing control and regulation of food and education. These chapters have a tenuous tie to the actual topic and add little to the book. If more research in those areas is needed, it should have been stated.The author also calls for more heavy regulation of schools by the government without acknowledging the already massive governmental involvement in the education system or the fact that the U.S has one of the highest costs per student in the world.

Great read for those trying to understand inventiveness. Highly recommend before you take a drastic medication approach that may hurt your child in the long run. Remember that education is a lifelong marathon and not only measured by good grades.

Dr. Wedge tells in depth the story of how ADHD has become an epidemic in the US as a result of the close relationship between psychiatry and drug companies. She goes on to show parents (and teachers and doctors) useful alternatives to dangerous psychiatric medications. As a grandfather of three active boys, I found this book eye-opening and helpful in dealing with their sometimes rambunctious behaviors.

This is how I've always felt about the disorder era.. being neck deep in it. Making my struggles about the mind made them worse instead of better.. I knew the diagnosis wasn't helping me or my friends.. took me years to find an alternative and understand the power of the heart.

Well informed author knows what she is talking about because it's been her job for thirty years. Well written , easy to follow with excellent, real life examples. Most parents should read this. If you have a child diagnosed with ADHD- read this book. It's worth it.

Brilliant. Very interesting and informative.

O livro realiza uma crítica muito bem embasada à prática tão comum de medicar crianças para não ter que educá-las, como se isso pudesse resolver algum problema, em vez de aumentá-los.

Excelent, i star follow the advice with my son