Originally Posted by puffin
It does seem unlikely that huge numbers of students are going to the effort and expense of getting themselves diagnosed incorrectly.

I would NOT agree with this statement.

I have heard parents even openly discussing doctor-shopping for a diagnosis in order to obtain accommodations for middle and high school students in order to enhance performance. They view it as being very much like hiring a tutor.

The real abuse problem in terms of the meds is on college campuses, though. It is ubiquitous, and has been for at least a decade. College kids think of these as "no different than coffee-- just more effective." They certainly are, and there seems to be little down side to those students, as they are able to do more with less sleep, retain information better due to increased focus, etc.

Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.