More autistic spectrum stuff:
techstocks.com
<For the first time, brain scans have revealed measurable biochemical differences in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a discovery that could reduce the number of children mistakenly diagnosed and put on drug treatment, researchers say.>
Very good news... but what's causing the explosion of cases?? Many say it's just being diagnosed more nowadays, but psychologist's dealing with kids say no way, cases in the more severe areas of the spectrum are up also.
<Some say the condition is being over-diagnosed in the United States, exposing children unnecessarily to medication, while others argue it is not treated often enough.>
A friend in Cincinnati with elementary school kids [mine are too young to have run into this yet] says 30% of the kids in his daughters class are taking ritalin?? Anyone else hear anthing so outlandish?
<Earlier studies have shown scans can detect structural differences in ADHD sufferers' brains, as well as abnormalities in brain activity, and scientists suspect that defects in genes relating to the brain chemical dopamine probably are involved.>
Typical scientist... go right to the 'mechanism' and start futzing around... jeez... you 'suspect'? Is that even science?
<The latest study, conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and published in this week's issue of The Lancet medical journal, is the first to show a measurable biochemical abnormality in people with the disorder.>
Good work! So we know that the problem is real... that's a start.
A CLUE:
<ADHD has been estimated to affect 3 percent to 5 percent of school-age children in the United States, and about 1 percent of children in Europe.>
Hello? McFly??? Anyone home? What's the single biggest difference between kids growing up in Europe and here that would make sense? Any takers?
CLUE #2:
<The disorder is characterized by impulsive behavior and difficulty paying attention and keeping still to read, study or even watch television. Some mild forms of the symptoms are common in many children, leading to the concerns that it is diagnosed too often.>
Or maybe whatever is happening is pervasive and it just happends to affect people in a broad spectrum of ways?
DAK |
