I don't think that there is a rise in ADD/HD, I think it is only more recently being diagnosed. As stated before there was a time when the characteristics of ADD could be a benefit, boundless energy, changing focus. It is only recently when people are being asked to become more like machines in the workforce that we are seeing this increase in problems. When I finished school and became a bike messenger my ADD symptoms went away. After riding 200 miles a week I didn't have any energy to stress or worry, all I had to do was focus on the tasks at hand (ride hard, deliver packages, smile at clients.) All very straight forward, it is only now when I'm asked to sit in front of a computer and do rote tasks that it gets difficult. I believe there needs to be a discussion of the benefits of people afflicted with ADD/HD, just like we recognize people with excellent math skills make good CPAs. For example, the CEO of Jet Blue is a self confessed ADD sufferer.

Anyways, I know that without meds and cycling I wouldn't be married and successful today. Maybe there is a problem of over medicating children, but just because some kids are over medicated doesn't mean that there aren't kids who benefit from being on meds. As an aside, it certainly doesn't help young kids that recess and gym class are being cut in favor of more test preparedness.

-Marcus