As published in the Miami Herald May 29, 2022 ADHD medication study needs more study

 As published in the Miami Herald May 29, 2022

ADHD medication study needs more study

   The May 24 story “ADHD meds don’t lead to higher grades," claims far-reaching implications from a rather modest study. Fourteen pages and a sample size of 174 over three summers is hardly an exhaustive study. More peer studies and review would be required to support its conclusions.  
   Medication controls many aspects of behavior affected by ADHD. No one should be dissuaded from using or providing prescribed medication for ADHD by the referenced study.  ADHD is a genetically transmitted disorder. It cannot be cured  but it can be effectively managed given psychological and neurological evaluation followed by therapy and, if indicated, medication for life.
    Miami-Dade Public Schools System (M-DPS) does a fine job in the classroom with students with behavioral problems and learning exceptions However,  The Center For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 8.5% of all school age children and 2.5% of the general population have ADHD.
   As of Oct 25, 2021, M-DCPS had 39,582 students with learning exceptions (ADHD is in the subcategory Other Health Impairments and shows 6504 students). However, given a student population of 350,000, and the CDC’s national average estimate of 8.5% we would expect to see approximately 30,000 students with ADHD alone (plus others) in that category.   This illustrates a national problem in under-identifying, evaluating and treating ADHD in schools and also in the incarcerated population.
                                                                                        Barry J. White
                                                                                        president
                                                                      Mental Health Association
                                                                      of  Miami-Dade County
                                                                                                   Kendall