Find a symptom, find a treatment, treat it and, in a modern twist, make it no one's fault. Fix them, we say. And we do so even when we use medications intended for adults. Just as it would be unfair to stigmatize them as spoiled brats and ridiculous to blame their concerned parents. But these drugs are being wildly prescribed because they are cheaper and less time-consuming than psychotherapy and much easier to sell, both to the consumer and to the average family doctor.
Prescriptions are less work than conversation and careful evaluation.
And handing out medication at lunchtime is easier than creating classes that keep intelligent and curious kids from squirming, daydreaming and talking back. I suggest that their family is both under stress and producing it. They cancel the next appointment. Join Abuzz , a new knowledge network from The New York Times.