If anything, it's worse today. Back in the 60's we didn't see all these advertisements on TV for all these pills like we do now. Seemingly everyone who's feeling a little blue should be on medication. "Depression is a serious medical condition." I'm sure it can be - but at the same time, the pharmaceutical companies aren't getting rich off a small minority of clinically depressed patients; they're marketing their pills to just about anyone who's feeling a little down, making them think they should go to their doctor and get a prescription, which the doctor is only too happy to dole out for that kickback from the drug company. It's disgusting. It also disgusts me how many school children are being medicated rather than disciplined.
On the topic of anti-depressants, I have mixed feelings about the decision of drug companies to advertise their product, but in their defense I'll admit I have several friends that have benefitted tremendously from these drugs; loved ones are ALIVE because of them. What I find disgusting is the amount of clinical depression that goes undiagnosed and/or untreated, but the ads have at least aided in bringing this serious problem into the open where it can be discussed.
And what I've seen of the medications that treat ADD, ADHD and other illnesses affecting our children has made me think that in many cases they're a godsend. Resorting to medication in these instances is never an easy process for caring parents, and I agree with you completely that meds aren't appropriate in all cases of hyperactivity, but I disagree with another of your statements because just as depression is not caused by a lack of self-discipline, behavioral disorders in children are not caused by a lack of parental discipline.