French children are known for their healthy lifestyle as the majority of the them does not eat and mostly reject junk food. Aside from their healthy habits, French children are also off pills, especially the ones medicated for ADHD.
Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned that almost 11 percent of children in the United States ages 4 to 17 are said to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or is commonly known as ADHD. The report was based on the statistics in 2011. American Psychiatric Association then mentioned that 5 percent of children in the U.S. suffer from ADHD but around 15 percent are being diagnosed.
APA added that the number of children that are diagnosed with ADHD continually increases. American children diagnosed with ADHD increased from 7.8 percent in 2003 to 9.5 percent in a span of four years, according to Collective Evolution.
Children, who are said to be diagnosed with ADHD, are automatically medicated but some countries including France, have a different stand for ADHD medication. It was mentioned that French doctors don't usually medicate children with ADHD. CE mentioned that French doctors do not consider ADHD as a biological disorder as it was mentioned that they refer to ADHD as a psycho-social and situational factors.
It was mentioned in WPA that French health care professionals define ADHD as a sociological disorder that is often caused by a series of social situations. In comparison to the United States, however, doctors deem ADHD as a neurological disorder, which is often caused by either a biological dysfunction or a chemical imbalance in the brain.
The U.S. usually give out medication such as Adderall to help the patient concentrate and be at ease. French doctors, on the other hand, focus on psychotherapy and family counseling in terms of ADHD treatment. French people also focus on the child's diet and daily lifestyle as they barely consider giving out ADHD medication.
As a parent, would you consider the French method in dealing with ADHD? Or would you opt to give your child medication? Do let us know your thought through the comment section below.
