Daily ArchiveMarch 6, 2015

My article from The Ledger for this week

Over the past few weeks, Dr. Richard and I have been writing a lot about the current situation with our educational system. This week started the FSA testing and it was not without incident.

Checkout the the column and let us know what you think. http://www.theledger.com/article/20150306/COLUMNISTS0419/150309522/1484/life?Title=Testing-Creates-More-Problems

Great article by the mother of a child with learning difficulties

This is a fantastic account of why our system is broken. Dr. Richard and I have been talking about these types of issues for years. It is great to see that others are coming out and talking about the problems as well!

Share with us your reaction to this story.

Read the story here: http://binkiesandbriefcases.com/want-people-understand-teachers-frustrated/

Article from The Atlantic on Student Suicide

Dr. Richard and I spoke about this article in our latest podcast. We must do something to better address mental health concerns in our communities and society in general.

Do you have any ideas on how to create change?

Read the column here: http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/03/when-mentally-ill-students-feel-alone/386504/

Article from the Columbus Dispatch on Bipolar Disorder and Kids

Dr. Marshall and I have been talking, writing, and presenting on these issues for over 10 years. It is great that there is more evidence coming about about this issue. In the past, physicians and mental health professionals were very quick to slap a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder on children, though there was very little research evidence supporting that practice. Children with severe temper tantrums and other challenging behaviors were often diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder even without any clear mood-related episodes. Research, such as that reviewed in column from the Dispatch, provide valuable information for clinicians as we work to make sure our patients receive the correct diagnosis and care.

Let us know what you think. Have you heard of very young children being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder? What was your experience?

Read the article here: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/03/03/Study-addresses-children-and-bipolar-disorder.html

Article from ScienceNordic about the mortality rate of those diagnosed with ADHD

Very interesting article, though really states data we already know. That is, people with ADHD are at risk for engaging in actions that could cause them harm, or even death. The really interesting thing, however, is that this study demonstrated the importance of treatment. As you will ready, those who were diagnosed later in life (after age 18) were at a much higher risk of early death. Bottom line – if it is a problem, get treatment.

We admit that there is a lot of controversy about the sheer number of people diagnosed with and treated for ADHD. We will have a podcast posted soon that addresses some of our thoughts on this. In the meantime, let us know what you think about these rates and your experiences.

Read the article here: http://sciencenordic.com/adhd-linked-greater-risk-dying-young