According to Dr. Robert Epstein, chief medical officer of Medco, 17% of total drug spending last year was on behavioral medications; compared to 16% for both asthma and antibiotics, 11% for skin disorders, and 6% for allergy medications. There was also a 369% increase in spending on ADHD medications for children under five. Many children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and many of their parents have decided to give them behavioral medications. Some parents administer the drugs because they are unaware of the long-term effects or psychological dependence and ultimately because they are unaware of the alternatives. As parents we need to be more aware of what these disorders are and how they affect the child. Medicines are not always the only solution. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common childhood disorders and can persist throughout adolescence and adulthood. There are many symptoms associated with ADHD, but the most common include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Scientists aren't exactly sure what causes ADHD, but they are more comfortable with the idea that many different factors play a role in its development, such as genes, environment, brain injury, sugar, and food additives. The most used treatment is medications, but this is not the only way to treat ADHD. Many people have started to look into alternatives to taking medications. They found that in some cases you can change your workout routine or start implementing one to release excess energy. You can also change your diet. Some people have found it very helpful to eliminate all sugar... middle of paper... Cle talks about the problems with doctors giving ADHD and ADD medicine to children who don't need it. They don't give the correct diagnosis to children just to get more money. It also explains why parents should not rely on just one doctor when it comes to their child's diagnosis.4. Berne, Samuel A. Without Ritalin: A Natural Approach to ADD. 2002. Google Web Book Search, 21 April 2011. http://books.google.com/books?id=M7hPTQhe3FoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=without+ritalin&hl=en&ei=l32wTbLFKYiUtwf17LTfCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA# v =one page&q&f= false• This book informs parents and guardians about other treatment options available to them and their children for ADD and ADHD. It provides natural and holistic ways to treat it and also talks about the different doctors you could make an appointment with for drug-free treatment.