[sha256sum]

> IMO from what I've seen of parents are that people who bring their children at a young-ish age to a therapist have a different issue.

I see this with someone close to me.

Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, medicated, later diagnosed with depression.

The real issue, however, was probably more related to brain development/executive function because their mother smoked a pack of cigarettes a day through pregnancy.

You've struck a nerve with some commenters, but personally I think you're on to something.

[lukas099]

To counter your anecdote with my own:

I grew up in a two-parent household. I had a doting, stay-home mom who spent lots of time with us. I lived in a safe neighborhood where I rode bikes with other kids for miles around during the summer. My family took long road trips to places like Yellowstone National Park for weeks and day trips to the zoo, the botanical gardens, the science museum, etc. I did not have a TV in my room and screen time was limited. I was involved in sports at school, summer swim team, and karate which my dad did with us.

I have ADHD which resulted in crippling depression when I was in college. As soon as I got diagnosed and medicated, I was able to be like the normal people that I always wanted to be, and align my actions with my goals.

[citilife]

It's hard for people to reason when they are fearful they are doing the wrong thing.

I question the same thing everyday for my family.

One way I try to explain it to people: "We give people insulin because they have diabetes. Diabetes is the disease, but you can cure it through diet and exercise for Type 2 (it's environmental), Type 1 you cannot (it's genetic). Giving insulin treats the disease, but doesnt' sure it"

This is the same thing for ADHD or depression. Some people probably have Type 1, others (I think the vast majority) have Type 2.

Sure you can mask the issue, somewhat. But you can't cure it through the medications today.