02/05/2005: "Einstein could have been a lawyer"

I just have to share this with you. In the Feb. 3 Wall Street Journal, Section D, first page, Jeffre-Zaslow in his Moving On column, entitled: What If Einstein Had Taken Ritalin? ADHD's Impact on Creativity, writes that over 20% of the children today have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and drug prescriptions for pre-schoolers were up to almost 50%.

The above facts are the sad and alarming part of the story that deals with what many believe is the inappropriate use of drugs (DARE, where are you when we need you?) for children -and also adults, but here are the two quotes that had me rolling on the floor:

"Wilma Fellman, a career counselor who helps clients with ADHD" believes that the drugs help people become more capable, and stated "God know what Einstein would have accomplished had he been diagnosed and treated".

Okay, so to me it is both funny and alarming that a "professional" would say that, but here is the ringer, from Dr. Honos-Webb, who, according to the article believes "ADHA drugs are good for patching up weaknesses, not enhancing strengths.." and then goes on to say "If your parents want you to be a lawyer, maybe these drugs can help you do that."

-Jean Mechant
Friday Harbor