Introduction: To the dismay of a large population in society, there is a stigma pertaining to mental illnesses and their credibility. People are under the impression that since these diseases are not physically seen, they aren’t real. Despite that, most mental illnesses have been accredited as real health concerns, but there is still speculation surrounding Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are some, including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), who are adamant in the fact that ADHD is a true illness, however there are other outside sources who argue there is not enough credible evidence to define ADHD as a mental disorder. This very argument has fueled psychologists to put their full efforts into finding …show more content…
For many patients, the treatment immediately reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity, allowing them to better concentrate and focus (NIMH). There was also a study conducted to compare treatment through medication against behavioral treatment. As a result, the treatment with stimulants was far superior to that of behavioral management, which can nearly dismantle arguments that ADHD is merely a behavior issue amongst children (NIMH). Even though there is a plethora of scientific evidence proving the validity of ADHD, there are still areas of concern which have allowed oppositionists to stake their own claims. As opposed to those in support of ADHD, there are those who are not convinced with the evidence produced from scientists alone. Instead, Psychologists, Sami Timimi and Nick Radcliffe have conducted their own research and have composed their own ideas pertaining to ADHD. One major concern is that ADHD does not have clear borders, meaning it is too broad of a term and acts as a scapegoat diagnosis. This allows parents and doctors to, “...avoid the messy business of understanding human relationships and institutions and their difficulties, and our common responsibility for nurturing and raising well-behaved children” (Radcliffe and Timimi). With ADHD as the most abundant medically researched mental disorder, one would expect lucrative results. However, with
Over the past couple of decades there has been a huge increase in the diagnosis and prescriptions given out for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to a news report done by USA Today over the past five years use of ADHD medications have risen 40% totaling 39.5 million individual prescriptions ("New findings," 2009). When statistics like this are seen it is only normal for someone to ask questions. People are becoming curious about the legitimacy of the disorder, and whether or not the treatments being given to individuals are appropriate. The argument seems to be strong on both sides of the fence, but the extensive research done on ADHD leaves it hard for one to believe that it is a made up disorder.
Well-known investigative journalist and analyst commonly known as the “myth buster,” Michael Fumento discusses the controversy surrounding ADHD and its treatment in his article Trick Question: A Liberal Hoax Turns Out to Be True. His work primarily consists of the debunking of common misconceptions about topics such as abortion, vaccines, and ADHD, which is exactly what this article is composed of. Multiple misconceptions about ADHD are disproven in the article by the inclusion of facts that prove the authenticity of the disorder and the resultant need for medicinal treatment like Ritalin. In doing this, Fumento supports and presents the main claim of the article, which is that ADHD is a true disorder. Fumento’s purpose is to disprove false conservative ideologies surrounding ADHD and to convince readers that treatment is needed. He adopts a sarcastic and almost aggressive tone in order to convince
Despite the fact that ADHD is constantly in the news for one reason or another, there is no consensus on what it
Whether or not ADHD is a true illness is subjected to debate. Despite the continuous efforts of experts in updating ADHD criteria within the DSM, the diagnosis for it continues to be controversial due to over reliance on vague evidences obtained from perceived irregularities in a patient’s mood and behaviour (Szasz, 2008). I believe ADHD, particularly in children, should not be considered legitimate illness.
Like most other developed countries, the majority of our U.S. culture is now accustomed and drawn to the idea of “quick-fixes.” In this busy society, one is typically most intrigued by the option that is the easiest to implement and can provide the fastest results, such as a pain pill for a headache. However, in the world of mental health and its’ disorders, a “quick-fix” is usually not the best approach. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among these mental health disorders that should not be resorting only to a “quick-fix”, such as a stimulant medication, to effectively manage the disorder. This is especially true for ADHD among the pediatric population, as this is a time of rapid behavior and personality growth, as well
Public awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) went from being under diagnosed to being over diagnosed. These days, teachers, counselors, and parents will diagnose a child with having ADHD disorder if he/she has disruptive behavior. Yet, the public does not know if ADHD is it an actual psychiatric disorder, a behavioral problem, or a school-based learning and interaction problem. Although it seems that ADHD is a socially constructed disorder rather than a valid neurobiological disorder, Pharmaceutical companies’ advertisements bombard the media convincing parents that medications are the best cure for their child to behave properly. Doctors, research organizations, and medical schools must continually
Attention Deficit Disorder is a mental health problem that poses a strong challenge to the parents and children that are affected by this disorder. In this website, the National Institute of Mental Health wants to look at the ways ADHD affects children from the childhood and remains in the child to adulthood. The National Institute of Mental Health website used the authority , when treating ADHD , the accuracy of the evidence of children affected by ADHD and the currency of the evidence provided about ADHD on these young children. The NIMH demonstrated their authority in delivering information, accuracy in connecting with their audience and currency in their affairs with victims of ADHD.
The development of mental illnesses over the years has expanded greatly. With new technology and new symptoms being found everyday it is hard for some people to believe that some of these mental illnesses actually exist. One mental disorder in particular is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD is a brain disorder that affects children, teenagers, and adults worldwide and is seen as a disorder that causes inattention and/or hyperactivity which hinders the brain’s function and development. Researchers and Scientists all over the world are constantly studying ADHD and the effects it has on people. But the main argument is whether ADHD is real. Many researchers believe that ADHD does not exist, it is a hoax and doctors are merely
When treating ADHD in children there is a lot of support for the benefits of medication. Emerging research goes on to suggest that a behavioral therapy in conjunction with medication is actually best practice for a child. Center for Disease Control (2014) suggests that “Another intervention option to treat ADHD is behavior modification. It is clear that behavior modification therapies, for youth in particular, have been tested and shown beneficial for the treatment of behavioral disorders including ADHD” The CDC goes on to say that most people are using behavior modifications that are not empirically researched for the treatment of ADHD, as a result people become frustrated when there is little or no change in their
ADHD is a neurological condition that is a common disorder in today’s society. Dr. Hallowell has created a website to use as a resource for those seeking to learn more about ADHD (Hallowell, 2015). It is not intended to substitute or replace professional counseling or medical advice. For those who have symptoms of ADHD or are struggling with any other area of mental health, Dr. Hallowell strongly recommends discussing medical health questions and to seek counseling with their primary doctor (Hallowell, 2015). Weather right or wrong, any opinion can be found on the Internet and by using a website as a reliable resource you must take in information to view the criteria determining the
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a predominant childhood disorder that can continue through adolescence and adulthood. There are three classes hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined. ADHD is typically shown with being inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive. By 2011 there were 11% of school-aged children with a history of a diagnosis of ADHD (CDC, 2014). The purpose of this paper is to discuss ADHD in a whole, from when it was first suspected to what causes it, to how it is treated, who it affects, and explore all aspects of treatment.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that can profoundly affect a child’s day to day functioning. This impacts many aspects of their life including academic achievement, general wellbeing and social interactions. (3) ADHD can span a lifetime with symptoms persisting into adolescence and adulthood. A third of children are thought to have symptoms persisting into adulthood and adults not diagnosed as children are being increasingly recognised. (4)
The purpose of this research was to describe and understand Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the most effective treatment options that are available today. ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects 3-9% of the population in ways that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on the mind of the sufferer. It makes concentration difficult, large tasks seem insurmountable, and causes impulsive and hyperactive tendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to
ADHD is an abbreviation for attention deficit/hyper activity disorder. It is commonly referred to as a psychiatric disorder in need of therapy. The origination of the disease is in the neuro-physiological brain construct, and the main cause of the disorder is considered to be genetic (Wilson, 2012). Many children with ADHD struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention (Unnever, Cullen, & Pratt, 2003). According to McNamara, Vervaeke, and Willoughby (2008), “attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder among children and adolescents. It affects between 3% and 5% of school age children” (p. 38). In a
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can be defined as common psychological disorder in which the individual exhibits one or more of the following: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This criterion was updated in DSM-V after two decades of research found that the disorder could initiate during childhood and be carried on throughout adulthood. Formerly a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School, Dr. Mel Levine 's understanding and translation of ADHD grasps a more sentimental description of how unruly this condition is.