Does ADHD Exist?
There is a growing debate over the existence of ADHD. ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. People who have ADHD are likely to have difficulty concentrating which can be a major problem in the classroom. In recent studies, more people have been diagnosed with ADHD than ever before. However, there is now a growing debate that this disorder does not exist at all and it is leading to some controversy.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/7/1/25712594/8206518.jpeg)
My Opinion- ADHD is often over diagnosed because many people have some of the symptoms of ADHD. Parents often will push doctors into prescribing ADHD medication such as Ritalin to help 'cure' their inattentive child. I believe that a pill does not cure ADHD and, in my experience, makes the people who are taking the drug less creative. People who take Ritalin have a tendency to feel more focussed, but have to trade in their creative side. I believe that ADHD does exist and makes life more difficult for those affected with it. I do not believe that every child diagnosed with ADHD actually has it because it is usually a rushed decision and every child does not go through a long enough evaluation of their symptoms.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/7/1/25712594/6512074.jpg)
Recent News- A new book titled ADHD Does Not Exist has been published. Author Richard Saul published his new book as an attempt to share his opinion on the controversy. Saul points out that less than 5% of children were diagnosed with ADHD prior to the 1990s and that percentage has now grown to more than 11%. Saul tries to make a point of saying that ADHD is a collection of symptoms and not a disease. But what is the definition of disease? The Oxford American Dictionary defines a disease as "a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, esp. one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury." In my opinion, trying to redefine a disorder does not change the fact that it exists. The reason behind the growing number of children becoming diagnosed with ADHD correlates directly with awareness of ADHD. The number of children with ADHD is more than likely similar from the 1990s to now. The difference is the number of children who are now taking medication for symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD-
-easily distracted
-difficulty following directions
-fidgeting and squirming
-impulsivity
-hyperactivity
-difficulty concentrating
For a complete list visit:
-easily distracted
-difficulty following directions
-fidgeting and squirming
-impulsivity
-hyperactivity
-difficulty concentrating
For a complete list visit: