Dialogue on ADHD (formatted three ways)

Version 1

"What did you find out?"

"The school counselor told us we should have her checked out to see if she's ADHD."

"Really? I think ADHD is overdiagnosed."

"Well, it fits with what every teacher she's ever had has told us."

"I just think that kids today have so many distractions--TV and video games and computers--that they just can't pay attention to anything for very long. Doctors and schools are too quick to stick a label on kids and give them all drugs."

"Well . . . if we have her evaluated, it doesn't mean we have to do anything about it. We wouldn't necessarily have to medicate."

"That's true. Let me know what you find out."

Version 2

Friend: What did you find out?

Me: The school counselor told us we should have her checked out to see if she's ADHD.

Friend: Really? I think ADHD is overdiagnosed.

Me: Well, it fits with what every teacher she's ever had has told us.

Friend: I just think that kids today have so many distractions--TV and video games and computers--that they just can't pay attention to anything for very long. Doctors and schools are too quick to stick a label on kids and give them all drugs.

Me: Well . . . if we have her evaluated, it doesn't mean we have to do anything about it. We wouldn't necessarily have to medicate.

Friend: That's true. Let me know what you find out.

Version 3

"What did you find out?" Jane asked me.

"The school counselor told us we should have her checked out to see if she's ADHD."

"Really? I think ADHD is overdiagnosed."

"Well, it fits with what every teacher she's ever had has told us." I felt the blood rising in my face. Why did I feel so defensive? Her first and second-grade teachers had both said Elizabeth was a delightful girl, but she was immature. She never could stay in her seat and frequently got notes sent home for talking in the hallway or playing around in the bathroom.

"I just think that kids today have so many distractions--TV and video games and computers--that they just can't pay attention to anything for very long. Doctors and schools are too quick to stick a label on kids and give them all drugs."

"Well," I paused, not knowing what to say. I didn't know that much myself about ADHD. What if Jane was right? "If we have her evaluated, it doesn't mean we have to do anything about it. We wouldn't necessarily have to medicate."

"That's true. Let me know what you find out."