Scripps Howard News Service

DEAR DR. FOURNIER: My daughter is a junior in high school who is preparing to take the ACT. She is an excellent student with a 3.75 grade-point average, and she wants to apply for early admission to college. Given this background, you can imagine my surprise when she asked that I take her to the doctor to get a prescription for ADHD medication. I was blown away. She says many "smart" parents have their children tested and diagnosed with attention deficit disorders so the students have the advantage of prescription medicine and un-timed standardized tests. Is this really a trend in education?

ASSESSMENT: Unfortunately, the answer is yes; this is something more parents and students are doing. Because of increased competition in college admissions, students are becoming more desperate to excel in school. For many years, the American dream was simply homeownership and a stable, middle-class life. A nice dinner at home and time around the family television set were the "luxuries" that most Americans sought in their lives. Now that American dream includes a three-car garage, a plasma TV in each room and dinner at a four-star restaurant.

Competition to reach this new American dream fuels the consumer culture and increases the demands on our society. Even entry-level jobs now require college degrees and critical thinking skills that weren't necessary in the past. As more students seek admission to college, admission standards become more and more rigorous. This is simple supply and demand, and in this environment, students and parents will look for any edge they can find.

In addition to this trend, the economy is also ratcheting up competition. First, the economic downturn in the United States -- highlighted by the housing and mortgage crisis, falling real-estate investments and lackluster stock market -- is causing all families to reconsider their finances. Middle- and lower-income parents are not the only ones wondering how they will afford college tuition. Even the most financially secure parents are urging their children to seek scholarship dollars as a means of paying for their kids' college education. As students scramble for scholarships, this fuels even more competition, driving parents and students to whatever means necessary, including mind- and personality-altering medications.

WHAT TO DO: Talk to your daughter and explain to her that this scenario is no different from a student-athlete taking steroids to increase physical performance. Just like steroids, ADHD drugs will not magically provide the skills needed for success in school and life. Any perceived benefits from these drugs are fleeting, and long-term success is rooted in hard work and dedication.

Like with steroids, there can be serious side effects from these medications, and these attention-deficit drugs can sometimes cause results very opposite from those intended. Potential side effects include hyper-focusing, headaches and stomachaches. Even worse, some students become psychologically dependent on the medication, believing it is a solution for all difficult situations. This "quick solution" could turn into a long-term addiction.

Ask your daughter about her willingness to jeopardize her health to gain a perceived advantage of immediate results. It amazes me that some of the best students are lured by this siren song. It is evident by her grade-point average that your daughter is a bright, successful student. She possesses the ability to succeed on her own, but the stress and demands of our society tell her that is not enough.

Explain to your daughter that she can gain an advantage in life with good decision-making skills, a positive attitude and a well-rounded perspective. These advantages will take her further in life with a lasting impact more than any medication could ever afford.

-Write Dr. Yvonne Fournier, Fournier Learning Strategies Inc., 5900 Poplar, Memphis, Tenn. 38119. E-mail her at drfournier@hfhw.net.)