Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most widely diagnosed “mental illness” in children in the United States today, and approximately 99% of diagnosed children are prescribed daily doses of methylphenidate to control unwanted behaviors. (Stolzer)Many children display behaviors such as energy, running, jumping, playing and excitement in their daily learning activities. But at what point is a child's exuberant behavior considered hyperactive? All children should be full of life, wonder and questions. Today, however, it seems that these qualities are not appreciated; they are seen as compulsions that need to be controlled. While it is true that hyperactivity, compulsivity, and inattention are symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, these can also be symptoms of other problems. Many times ADHD is diagnosed by unqualified people. A parent usually receives a letter from the child's teacher saying that he or she is exhibiting behavioral problems and a meeting is scheduled. During the meeting, parents are invited to allow teachers to evaluate the child. A report is then written and the parents take the child and the report to the doctor and the child is given medication, usually a stimulant, to cure the child of his illness. According to the Academy of Pediatrics, the average duration of a preventive visit lasts less than 30 minutes. During this visit, the pediatrician personally spends less than 20 minutes with the child and his parents. (Hutchinson) It does not seem possible that a pediatrician would be able to fairly assess a child's physical health, let alone psychological problems, in such a short amount of time. As with any psychiatric condition...... medium paper ......3773568&v=2.1&u=munc80314&it=r&p=HRCA&sw=wLeo, J. (2000). Attention deficit disorder: good science or good marketing? Skeptical, 8 (1), 29–37. Miller TW, Nigg JT, Miller RL. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in African American children: What can we conclude from the past decade? Clinical Psychology Review.2009;29(1):77-86.Sciutto MJ, Eisenberg M. Evaluating the evidence for and against overdiagnosis of ADHD. J Atten Disorder. 2007;11:106-113.Schneider H, Eisenberg D. Who is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the U.S. elementary school population? Pediatrics. 2006;117(4):601-609.Stolzer, PhD, J.M. (2007). The ADHD epidemic in America. Ethical human psychology and psychiatry, 9, 109-116.Sturm R, Ringel JS, Andreyeva T. Geographic disparities in children's mental health care. Pediatrics. 2003; 112(4):308-315.