Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pkang0202]

I'm not too familiar with how that is dealt with in Korea. I know in the US, doctors practically hand out the pills.

Anyways, whats the deal with ADD and ADHD in Korea? Before coming to Korea, I thought ADD and ADHD was only a US problem with their kids. Teaching elementary school here, I'm starting to believe its a widespread problem.

Would you think the problem kids in your classrooms are a result of ADHD?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I've often wondered about this myself. I'm pretty certain that it's often exaggerated and over-diagnosed in North America, but nevertheless believe that it does exist to an extent. I've had a few students I've suspected of having it. I have one middle schooler who just cannot pay attention for the life of her, but then she's also a leading candidate for naughtiest student in the whole school, so it's hard to tell how much of her inattentiveness is willful.

It's funny to explain ADD and ADHD and prescription drug use at American schools to Koreans. Yeah, the ones who just can't sit still and pay attention get fed drugs so they'll just zone out and be quiet. They look at you the same as westerners when you tell them that in Korea kids get the stick when they misbehave.

[Ilsanman]

It is definitely a problem here. I have kids who have their eyes pointing anywhere but the book, or at me. Just can't concentrate for more than 5 seconds.

I used to think it was overprescribed at hime, but I have seen many successful cases. If diagnosed properly, it can help a child a lot.

[pkang0202]

I'm wondering there are any kids at all that DO take medication for it. I brought this up because there's this one kid that always gets in trouble. He came to our office today and many of the teacher's commented that he's caused them a lot of trouble too.

The youngest teacher, other than me, said that the child might have a disorder where he can't concentrate and keep still. Thats when I chimed in with ADHD and explained to the teachers around me that its a big problem in the US. I could tell on the look of many of the teachers that its a big problem in Korea too. The major difference being over medication and misdiagnoses in the US, as opposed to little to no awareness among the parents in Korea.

I might be wrong here, but I think parents in Korea would be too "proud" to admit their child has a legitimate disorder.

[Kimchieluver]

[pkang0202]

Before coming to Korea, I would've laughed at that reply. After being here for a while, I have no other option but to take you seriously.