Is Anyone Else Worried?

I'd be more worried about the number of children who are obese, asthmatic, and diabetic than the 8% - 10% of children taking medication for ADHD.

Prescription Drugs | Number of U.S. Children Taking Medications for Chronic Illnesses Increases Significantly, Study Finds

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_ind...

I'm also worried about the large number of children who become addicted to playing video games who as a result, have a shorter attention span.

Personally, I was one of the first kids in my school to go on Ritalin at the age of 10, and was on it for 2 years. I only took it when I was going to school. Later, I found out that I also had a learning disability. But with personal perseverance and actually relearning how to learn, I was able to overcome my disability and not only do well in the Army, but earn a college degree (BA). So you should look at such people as individuals and not as a group.

I'm not very concerned that the pool is going down for psychological conditions. Recently the Army has started a new school at Ft. Jackson where some previously disqualified due to educational requirements are able to complete training and receive a GED prior to starting basic training. I think something similar can be done for those previously diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Regarding those with Bi-Polar, depression or more severe conditions each will need to be evaluated individually to determine whether they are able to serve.

I think they have eased up somewhat on their standards when it comes to medications. And or they will have to create new rules.

Its important they change with the times. Its no secret that more of this younger generation has been influenced that medications fix everything.

I think when it comes down to it anyone can be diagnosed with something that would result in some sort of meds to be given.

Hey if you have bi-polar, active depression and things like that then you have no buisiness in the military.

But alot of these people who had to take pills for a year or less when they were younger because they had temporary issues do deserve a chance to serve despite them taking the meds. This is where the rules have or need to be changed.

as long as someone has been off medication for a certain amount of time and is no longer taking medication when they enlist, they are usually eligible for enlistment.

But I do believe that parents should stop medicating their children and start actually being a parent. With kids, at least 75% of the time they are 'acting up' is more of a problem that can be resolved at home than something that actually needs a prescription.

No cause under Nationalized health care the government won't justify the cost of the drug for an incurable sickness. There for they won't be giving out meds.

I never gave it much thought, but now that you mention it... that is frightening.

nOT REALLY