The doping up of our children is now common place. A four year old who had been under treatment for ADHD since she was 28 months old died of either an overdose or pneumonia. Her parents are on trial for her murder. The reports of the case only occasionally suggest that the perhaps diagnosing toddlers with mental diseases and prescribing powerful drugs to them might not be the very wisest medical decision.

Riley Trial report from Trial Blog

The grand jury didn't indict the toddler's doctor, but she wasn't going to testify without immunity, threatening to take the fifth without it.

Toddler's Doctor Gets Immunity to Testify

This is the drug the good Dr. prescribed for the baby:

Clonidine

Here's all you need to know about a kid to diagnose him or her with ADHD. I don't think I've ever met a 5-year-old who didn't qualify.

To meet the diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and
statistical Manual of psychiatric disorders) a couple of aspects have
to be considered to meet a diagnosis of adhd:

A. Six (or more) of either 1) Inattention, or 2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms must have

persisted for at least 6 months

to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

1) Inattention

• often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in homework, work, or other activities
• often has difficulties sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• often does not follow through instructions and fails to finish
  schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional
  behavior or failure to understand instructions)
• often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities
• often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental efforts
• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
• is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• is often forgetful in daily activities

2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity

• often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is
  inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective
  feelings of restlessness)
• often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
• often talks excessively

Impulsivity

• often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• often has difficulty awaiting turn
• often interrupt or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)