Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD

OldDude · May 23, 2013

I know the traditional American family unit has taken a beating the last 50 years and it seems, nowadays, you have to have a license or permit to do anything but reproduce. I, like you, see how ***** some of the family environments kids today are subject to; I actually agree that lack of parenting, from birth on, manifests in social impulsivity. But this article indicates such a stark contrast I just can't believe there isn't some apple to orange comparison......especially when you start talking about the "social" interventions, etc, considering the US has about 5 times the population of France. Know what I mean?

allnurses Guide · May 24, 2013

Excellent information. I just attended a lecture on Childhood Trauma and The Brain by Dr. Perry.

In talking about the neurosequential development of the brain - in utero to adulthood - and how experiences or lack thereof mold the brain, I'm fascinated in how this can effect children.

I see so many kids exhibit in the normal range of childhood behavior . . .branded as ADHD. Then drugged although many parents are just saying no to drugs.

ChildTrauma

cav5 · Jun 6, 2013

I have been overseas for almost 25 years. I have not lived in France but have lived close by a number of times. There is such a difference in medical care, family life, culture, etc that apples to oranges is the only nice thing that I can say right now.

I think it is very easy to see "others" as better because we only see what they want us to see. Say what you will but Americans aren't afraid to let everything show-the good, the bad, the ugly. I haven't seen that in other cultures and they love to flaunt and taunt our bad behavior (TV, research articles, etc) while covering up their own.

Life is not greener on the other side-just saying.

OK, so I said more than I was going to:)

elkpark · Jun 6, 2013

My specialty is child psych, and I saw a v. interesting statistic a few years ago -- of the entire world output of Ritalin every year, 90% is used in the US. 5% is used in England, 5% in Australia, and the rest of the world (combined) doesn't use enough to be worth mentioning. Makes ya wonder ...

ixchel · Jun 6, 2013

PT actually printed a rebuttal to this article later. French kids DO have ADHD and the persistent push by the French medical system to deny this very valid pediatric diagnosis harms French children who can benefit greatly by receiving early intervention and, yes, those dreaded medications. As parent who lived in complete denial of my own son's condition and needs, I can tell you this article is an absolute abomination to the need to recognize ADHD as a valid condition in need of support medically. I can't even tell you how many different roads we struggled down with my boy before finally admitting we were wrong all along. When society tells you over and over that you are poisoning your child with medications and you are a bad parent for using them, it is so demoralizing to finally decide to use them.

......until you realize that they actually work and your child actually receives praise and encouragement frequently instead of time-outs and "no! No! No!" all day long, destroying their self esteem and ability to ever believe they can do anything right. My boy is able to reach his full potential because we have learned to accept his ADHD diagnosis and medication. If you have ever parented a child who TRULY has ADHD (and yes, I can say I think it is over diagnosed at times), then you KNOW it is real and it isn't something a magical change in diet or rewards system can change. PT disgusted me thoroughly with this article. It's hard enough being a parent of a child with ADHD. We feel like we have to hide it to keep others' opinions out of our parenting choices.

Anyway, here is PT's follow-up article: http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201209/french-kids-do-have-adhd-interview

ixchel · Jun 7, 2013

Incidentally this coming semester I am doing an independent study on pediatric behavioral disorders. I am focusing on evidence-based practice, it's effects on family and society, and how these treatments affect the affected child over the life-span. ADHD children who don't get treatment and intervention tend to drop out of school because they don't feel like they can do it. There was a study published recently that indicated the average salary of an ADHD child as an adult is $40k less than non-ADHD counterparts and they're significantly more likely to be divorced. These children need intervention and support early, and consistently. Imagine if you grew up being rejected day in, day out, for behaviors you have absolutely no control over. IMO (and yes, it's OPINION), I believe that is far more poisonous to the child than medications, especially when time is taken to find the right meds for that child.

cav5 · Jun 7, 2013

Ixchel-I am married to an man with classic ADHD-got diagnosed late in life and can tell you that what you are saying is the absolute truth, I agree. I would be interested in your article and research when it is published.

elpark-I would also agree with you on your research. However, (I can't know first hand about France so won't make assumptions) but in Germany, the UK, and other EU countries many of children who are found to have "behavioral issues", "mental issues that cause disruptions", "learning disabilities" etc can be streamlined out of the general education system early on and put into other schools.

I guess I am saying we need to look into the whole culture, beliefs, education system, medical system, etc before we start comparing one country to another and making an assumption that one is better than another-not to say that is what you were doing but I definitely got that feel from the original article itself.

ixchel · Jun 7, 2013

cav, my husband is also ADHD. It's what made me connect the ideas together for my research, actually. Between you and me, I want that extra $40,000 we're missing out on in his salary! lol