ADHD: Fact or Fiction?

In my line of work I see an increasing number of kids medicated for various disorders. It seems like every year more kids need their "meds." It seems like ADHD is a sweeping epidemic comparable to the plague or AIDS, as if it were contagious. Although I believe that psychological disorders exist, I do not believe that ADD, ADHD, and it's other flavors are authentic. It makes me sad to see a generation of children medicated into submission, masking their behaviors until they "grow out of it." If you aren't familiar with ADHD, it's ok. You can become an expert in minutes and you will even be able to diagnose it yourself. It's a checklist disorder that requires nothing more than the power of observation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides the criteria for such a diagnosis.

Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

8. Is often easily distracted.

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.


If you can't diagnose the disorder from these criteria, don't fret, there's more:

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

6. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

**Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

**Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

**There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

**The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

**Taken from the Center for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov)

There you have it.  I especially like the clause about some of the symptoms appearing before the age of 7.  I can't think of ANY child under 7 that doesn't display these symptoms.  This cookbook method of diagnosing and drugging our children is highly disturbing to me.  It is full of vague generalizations that are completely subjective and, in the hands of the right (or wrong) healthcare provider, you can have your script for Ritalin in no time.

Of course this is just my opinion, but I'd like to think that it's an educated one.  If you'd like to read more about this issue click here.  

END RANT