A.D.H.D. Seen in 11% of U.S. Children as Diagnoses Rise

This article in the New York Times, written by Alan Schwarz, describes the staggering numbers of teenagers in the United States that have been diagnosed with A.D.H.D. Schwarz uses logos throughout the entire article in order to shed light on the drastic changes seen in the numbers of children on medications such as Adderal and Ritalin. Schwarz uses quotes from various doctors, all claiming that parents demand A.D.H.D medications in order to control their child's behavioral problems. Schwarz also analyzes doctor's feedback and the statistics in order to state that prescribing 23% of the male teenage population with A.D.H.D medication is simply a "shortcut to better grades" used by parents. Schwarz then addresses the health risks associated with taking medication for a health problem that the patient does not have, and uses more logos to describe the multitude of health problems seen in teenagers being prescribed A.D.H.D medication when they have no such illness. Through his analysis of medical logos, Schwarz is able to state to the public that severe medical malpractice for the sake of better grades is becoming an increasing trend in our country, complete with a plethora of health risks that most choose to ignore.